A northern Italian man who suffers from an uncommon genetic disease has gained media attention after he was hugged by the pope.
Vinico Riva, 53, suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, a non-infectious disease that means that Riva is covered in growths, swellings and sores.
His mother suffered from the same disease, as does his sister.
Riva’s unconventional appearance often terrifies strangers, and he has become used to unkind comments.
Recently, Riva sat down next to somebody on a bus who asked him to move.
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"I wanted to answer back but I controlled myself. I felt my blood pressure rise. I wanted to leave the bus but I had a doctor's appointment. There were lots of people on the bus but no one said a word," he said.
A recent visit to St Peter’s Square saw Riva in the embrace of the Pope, who did not hesitate to kiss and hug him.
Riva said the actions of Pope Francis were of a great comfort to him.
"When he embraced me, I quivered. I felt a great warmth."
The pontiff's hug was "like paradise", he said, describing the encounter to the Daily Mail.
"He didn't even think about whether or not to hug me.
"I'm not contagious, but he didn't know that. But he just did it: he caressed me all over my face, and as he did I felt only love.
"He came down from the altar to see the sick people. He embraced me without saying a word. I felt as though my heart was leaving my body.
"He was completely silent but sometimes you can say more when you say nothing."
Riva’s aunt, Caterina Lotto, was impressed Pope Francis's down-to-earth nature.
"If he weren't wearing that clothing, you wouldn’t know he was the Pope," she said.
