Influencer-pilgrim meets with Pontiff
January 09, 2026
» Continue to this story on Vatican News (Italian)
CWN Editor's Note: At the conclusion of his January 7 general audience, Pope Leo met with Adrian Ruiz Pelayo, described by Vatican News as an “influencer for the good.”
The “35-year-old Spaniard told Leo XIV about his pilgrimage on foot from Palermo, carrying with him a seedling of an evergreen cypress tree, the same species used to make the cross of Christ,” according to the report.
“I told Leo XIV about what I’ve been experiencing since last April, when I began a pilgrimage with a medieval flavor,” the influencer said. ”I live day by day, trusting in the altruism of the people I meet, from whom I have never asked for money, but only water, food and hospitality.”
The influencer asked the Pope to bless the seedling, which he will eventually take to a Spanish monastery. Blessed by the Pope, he is now going to Assisi, “fasting until I reach the tomb of St. Francis.”
The above note supplements, highlights, or corrects details in the original source (link above). About CWN news coverage.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
