The unexpected encounter took place early in the audience as clergy read out Galatians 5:13-14 in various languages, a passage in which the Apostle urges Christians not to abuse their freedom but instead to “become slaves to one another” through love.
As the verses were read in German, the boy, who was wearing a black tracksuit, spectacles, and a face mask, approached Pope Francis, who smiled and clasped his hand.
Msgr. Leonardo Sapienza, the regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, who sits to the pope’s right at general audiences, rose and gave his seat to the boy.
The child sat briefly, then stood and pointed at the pope’s zucchetto. He led the priest giving the Portuguese reading over to the pope to show him the white papal skullcap. Eventually, the boy walked back down from the platform proudly wearing his own zucchetto.
Read more and watch the encounter below.
