Man featured in famous photo with pope dies at 58

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Vincenzo Riva, a man with neurofibromatosis, whose photograph with Pope Francis was seen around the world a decade ago, died in Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 10 at the age of 58.

Riva, whose face was disfigured by the disease, was embraced by Pope Francis after his weekly general audience Nov. 6, 2013.

Luca Zaia, president of Italy’s Veneto region, said in a statement Jan. 11 that the photos were a reminder to everyone that “in the face of all the barriers that might create isolation in illness, inclusion and socialization are a universal right for the sick and a duty for all of society. For this we are grateful to him and will remember him.”

In a world that too often emphasizes “the pursuit of the outward perfection of the body,” he said, Riva — affectionately known by his nickname Vinicio — showed the “great dignity and value of life, even in suffering.”

He was “a role model who traced a path of care and respect,” Zaia said.

Read More Vatican News

Pope prays Mary will fill believers with hope, inspire them to serve

Advent call is to cooperate in building a kingdom of peace, pope says

Come all ye faithful: Christmas carols sing of God’s love, pope says

A look at highlights of Vatican II on 60th anniversary of its wrap

A Vatican commission recently said ‘no’ to women deacons. Two members of the commission explain why

The story behind young woman who wept while hugging Pope Leo in Beirut

Copyright © 2024 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

 Print