The internet rescued one of the most touching moments of Pope Francis’ pontificate when he gave a lesson of empathy and humanity that thrilled the world. The episode took place in 2018, during a visit to a parish in Rome, when a visibly moved Emanuele boy could not contain tears when trying to ask the High Pontiff a question.
The Pope called him beside him, hugged him and talked to him privately, then asking for permission to share the conversation with all present. Emanuele wanted to know if his father, who had recently died and was an atheist, would be in heaven. He told the Pope that, though not a believer, his father had been a good man and had made a point of baptizing his four children.
Before all, Francis returned the question to the Assembly: “Do you think God could abandon a good father like this? That would not care about a man who, despite not believing, had the courage to baptize their children and convey them values?”
The audience replied that not, and the Pope went to the boy with words that marked all who watched: “Here you have your answer. God is surely proud of your father. Because it is much harder to do good without faith than with faith. Reza and speak to your father.”
