Before leaving the Philadelphia airport Saturday morning, Pope Francis requested to make a special stop.
The pope stepped out of the Fiat to bless Michael Keating, the son of Bishop Shanahan High School band teacher Chuck Keating, according to The Associated Press.
The band welcomed Pope Francis to Philadelphia with a rousing version of the “Rocky” theme song.
Pope Francis cradled the boy’s head and kissed his forehead.
>>See photos from the pope's Philadelphia visit
Michael, 10, has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. According to Michael’s mother, Kristin Keating, Michael has vision and hearing problems, as well as a profound intellectual disability.
Kristin Keating said that Michael had been agitated while waiting for the pope’s arrival, but appeared to be calm in the pope’s presence.
She said that the pope’s gesture was beautiful and meant something special to their family.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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