Rare News Desk
Pope Francis is literally touching people’s lives with his fearless leadership.
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The Pope on Tuesday kissed and prayed for a man suffering from neurofibromatosis — a rare disease that manifests itself in the form of prolific boils on the skin’s surface — an act that prompted some to compare Pope Francis to 13th century Catholic friar and preacher St. Francis of Assisi, reports the Daily Mail.
“Patients suffering from the ailment, which is genetic and not contagious, are often shunned by society because of their appearance,” the Daily Mail says. “Pope Francis has been widely praised for his common touch and accessibility.”
Since filling the shoes of predecessor Pope Benedict XVI in March, Pope Francis has made headlines for — among other things — taking selfies with young Catholics; comments that the Catholic Church is “obsessed” with abortion, contraception and gay marriage; washing the feet of delinquents; and for inviting the homeless to St. Peter’s Square.
