Pope meets with Riva at the Vatican in early November . A genetic disease called neurofibromatosis has left Riva disfigured . Pope addresses Riva without speaking : ` ` He did n't have any idea of my illness '' ` What do you want to tell him ? '' Riva hopes to one day have a face - to - face meeting with Pope .
Pope meets with Riva at the Vatican in early November . A genetic disease called neurofibromatosis has left Riva disfigured . Pope addresses Riva without speaking : ` ` He did n't have any idea of my illness '' Riva hopes to one day have a face - to - face meeting with Pope .