Ohio Boy Meets Pope Francis, Takes A Spin In Popemobile

COLUMBUS, OH – To most Catholics, getting to see a pope in person is a moment of a lifetime. Having the pope touch you or lay his hands on your head can be an even bigger deal. What happened to 12-year-old Peter Lombardi of Columbus might be considered miraculous.

Pope Francis invited young Peter to go for a ride in the popemobile – a 20 minute ride. That is the kind of experience you can neither buy nor wish for. It just happens.

And so it did for Peter earlier this week while his family was on a pilgrimage to Rome.

In an interview posted to the Catholic News Service's YouTube channel, Brenda Lombardi, Peter's mother, explained that the family was supposed to see Pope Francis when he was in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families in 2015. Unfortunately, Peter, who has Down syndrome, was stricken with leukemia and had to undergo chemotherapy during the pope's visit.

While in the hospital in 2015, a representative of the Make-A-Wish Foundation asked Peter what he would like. He pointed to a TV, which was broadcasting video of the pope's visit, and said he wanted to be kissed by the man blessing babies. That man, of course, was Pope Francis.

Fast-forward two and a half years, and the Lombardi family is in Rome this week. A tour guide was able to arrange for Peter to be in the front row during Pope Francis' weekly visit with the public in St. Peters Square at Vatican City.

When the pope approached Peter, a security guard lifted him over a railing of the popemobile so he could get a kiss from the pope. Pope Francis had Peter get in the back of the popemobile and together they circle St. Peter's Square.

"We came to Rome on a pilgrimage to thank our Lord for his healing because Peter was healed about a month into his treatment," Brenda Lombardi said. "God just protected him and healed him of leukemia."

The pope also gave Peter a crown of yellow and purple balloons – a gift that Peter said was the best part of the experience.

"Peter got his wish," Brenda Lombardi said. "That's how God works."

Image by YouTube video