Catholic Culture Dedication
Catholic Culture Dedication

Kids do the darnedest things

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Oct 30, 2013

If you haven’t already seen the video of the little boy who attached himself to Pope Francis during a public audience, wouldn’t let go, decided to become an usher, and eventually made himself comfortable on the papal throne—don’t miss it.

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.

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  • Posted by: jackist7902 - Oct. 30, 2013 1:43 PM ET USA

    "polish.pinecone4371" asks "where were the parents?" It's my understanding that a group of children, including this child, were invited up to stage without their parents. I assume the parents were probably seated off-stage in one of the groups shown in the pictures. I can't blame them for not rushing the stage.

  • Posted by: pannw - Oct. 30, 2013 10:11 AM ET USA

    Honestly, I am happy that people love Pope Francis, but they comment as if it is simply unheard of for a man to be kind to a child. "Oh, this pope is so different!!!" as if Beloved Benedict would have eaten the child's heart on the spot. When Benedict is directly and indirectly maligned, I must keep reminding myself of Christ's promise. "Blessed are you when they shall revile you..." And not hold it against Pope Francis. God bless them both. And God bless the child. So darling.

  • Posted by: polish.pinecone4371 - Oct. 30, 2013 9:41 AM ET USA

    Don't mean to be a contrarian, but where were the parents? Sure it's cute, but shouldn't the parents have kept their child under control and let the Pope have the spotlight and not their child?