Pope embraced Vinicio Riva at the Vatican in early November . A genetic disease called neurofibromatosis has left Riva disfigured . Pope embraced Riva without speaking : `` He did n't have any fear of my illness '' ` I felt my blood pressure rise . '' he said, adding that it was a matter of love and compassion for me to receive such an important person as this man who is so close to God. "
Pope embraced Vinicio Riva at the Vatican in early November . A genetic disease called neurofibromatosis has left Riva disfigured . Pope embraced Riva without speaking : `` He did n't have any fear of my illness '' he said, adding that it was a matter of love and compassion for me to receive such an important person as this man who is so close to God. "