His actions have touched many across the world and revitalised the Catholic church. But for Pope Francis, comforting this stricken man after today's weekly audience in St Peter's Square was another simple act of compassion. In scenes strikingly similar to his encounter with the disfigured Vinicio Riva two weeks before, the pontiff first spoke with the worshipper and then put his arms around him, blessing him.
The man's identity is not known, nor are the details of what caused such terrible damage to his face. 'My head was against his chest his arms were wrapped around me. It lasted just over a minute, but to me it seemed like an eternity.'
Together in prayer: The Pope and the disabled man shared a private moment where Francis I gestured up to the sky
Pope Francis (left) comforted Vinicio Riva, a 53-year-old Italian who had travelled to Rome for a audience in Saint Peter's Square earlier this month
Vinicio Riva with a picture of his late mother Rosaria, who suffered from the same condition he does
Pope Francis has made a habit of dedicating time to greet and bless sick or disabled people at the end of the general audience
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