“Your Holiness, I want to be a priest of Christ, a
representative of Christ,” de Brito whispered into the ear of Pope Francis. De
Brito, 9, had jumped hurdles and made his way to the popemobile wearing his
Brazilian national soccer team jersey. The boy later told reporters about the
emotional exchange, which was also captured on.
“I am going to pray for you, but I ask you to pray for me,”
Pope Francis told him.
“As of today, your vocation is set,” said the Pope, moved to
tears and embracing de Brito.
Onlookers noticed that the boy did not want to leave the
Holy Father. Only after several attempts did the Popeʼs security detail finally
take de Brito off the popemobile.
Once on the street, de Brito walked next to the popemobile,
waving to Francis and blowing him kisses. One of the security guards stopped to
console the boy before bringing him back to his waiting family.
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