Disfigured man embraced by Pope has died

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican News

A man whose face was terribly disfigured by a rare disease, who received a long embrace from Pope Francis ten years ago, during a General Audience in St Peter's Square, has died at the age of 58.

Vinicio Riva, who suffered with von Recklinghausen's disease, met Pope Francis shortly after the start of his pontificate in 2013. They had a brief conversation and the Holy Father gave Vinicio a big hug which he described later as one of the most wonderful experiences of his life.

Vinico came from Italy's northern Veneto region. He died in Vicenza hospital.

Von Recklinghausen's disease, Neurofibromatosis 1, is a genetic disorder characterized by the increased risk of developing noncancerous and cancerous tumours, as well as various other physical and neurological symptoms.

LINKS

See an interview with Vinicio Riva here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSJGJC33df8

Disfigured man describes moment he met Pope Francis: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/23638