PILGRIMS OF HOPE
POPE FRANCIS & VINICIO RIVA

By Brother Patrick

Near the end of his book, called simply Hope; The Autobiography, Pope Francis speaks again about God’s style of closeness, compassion, and tenderness. The Holy Father writes: “When the Gospel truly exists, not a display of it, not an exploitation of it, but its concrete presence, there is always revolution. A revolution in tenderness. Tenderness means nothing more than this: It means love that becomes close and concrete. It means using your eyes to see the other, using your ears to hear the other, the cry of the young, the cry of the poor, the cry of those who fear for the future. And after seeing, after listening, there is no saying. There is doing.” In this spirit, we now remember the extraordinary encounter between Pope Francis and Vincio Riva.

Vinicio Riva suffered from Neurofibromatosis 1, a rare genetic disease that causes both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors to develop all over the body. The disease can also cause tumors in the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. It can lead to blindness, deafness, chronic pain, and heart problems. In Vinicio Riva’s case, the disease manifested itself most notably in hundreds of sores and tumors on his face and torso that resulted in bleeding and disfigurement. Sometimes Vinicio would wake up in the morning with his pajamas soaked in the blood that seeped from those sores and tumors.

In addition to the physical challenges associated with his condition, Vinicio faced rejection and isolation from his neighbors. His appearance prompted many people to move instinctively away from him. Vinicio once boarded a public bus in his hometown of Vicenza, Italy. When Vinicio approached a vacant seat, a passenger shouted harshly: “Go away!” Although Neurofibromatosis 1 is a non-infectious disease, many people, too many people, refused to interact with Vinicio and his family. But Vinicio Riva’s life changed forever in November 2013.

Along with his aunt and dozens of pilgrim from his home parish, Vinicio traveled to Vatican City. They attended the weekly audience with Pope Francis. In an interview afterward, Vinicio said that he and his group never expected to come close to the Holy Father. But the Swiss Guard guided them toward the front row. As Pope Francis made his way through the crowd, he saw Vinicio and walked toward him. Vinicio hoped that the pope might shake his hand, but instead, the pope approached him, looked into his eyes, and embraced him.

Vinicio said later: “We did not speak, but he looked at me as if he were digging deep inside, a beautiful look that I would never have expected…He did not have any fear of my illness. He embraced me. I trembled and I felt a great warmth.” After this memorable encounter with the Holy Father, Vinicio returned home and resumed his custodial work at a local nursing home. Despite Vinicio’s appearance, the sick and elderly patients enjoyed his company. They joked and chatted with him about their favorite sport — soccer.

Reflecting on his experience in Rome, Vinicio said: “I feel stronger and happier. I feel that I can move forward because the Lord is protecting me.” Vinicio’s family agreed that his life changed for the better because he was blessed and embraced by Pope Francis.

On January 11, 2024, Vinicio Riva died of complications related to his long battle with Neurofibromatosis. He was fifty-eight years old. Just three days later, Pope Francis delivered his annual message for the World Day of the Sick. The Holy Father said: “Our lives, reflected in the image of the Holy Trinity, are meant to attain fulfillment through a network of relationships, friendships, and love, both given and received.” The pope then said: “We are created to be together, not alone.” With these words, the Holy Father spoke from the heart about the longings of all people who live each day with illness or isolation. Put simply, we all need each other.

In his autobiography, in his final words to a world that grows more cruel and callous by the day, Pope Francis again speaks of tenderness. He says: “Tenderness is not weakness: It is a true force. It is the road that the strongest and bravest men and women have taken. Let us take it. Let us fight with tenderness and courage. May you take it, may you fight with tenderness and courage. I am just one step.”

Inspired by this one step and by the bold life witness of the Holy Father, we pray for the soul of Vinicio Riva and for his grieving friends and family. We pray for the soul of Pope Francis and for all who mourn his passing from the life. We pray for all people who are sick and suffering. We pray for all people who feel alone or left behind. We pray for all people who are targeted and persecuted because of how they look, how they love, or how they came to live in our country. And we pray for the grace, courage, and perseverance to do what Pope Francis taught us to do by both is prophetic voice and good example: Live the Gospel. Share God’s love. Love each other. Rebuild the Church — one soul at a time. Let us begin a revolution of tenderness — together!

Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Pope Francis, pray for us! Vinicio Riva, pray for us! Our Lady, Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us!

Read: A Prayer for the Intercession of Pope Francis (PDF)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brother Patrick Garvey is co-founder and spiritual director of the Assisi Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Saint John Seminary, and the Catholic University of America. He is a writer, spiritual director, retreat leader, and university lecturer. He also serves as an Associate Minister in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in Massachusetts. On October 3, 2023, the Feast of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Patrick was consecrated as a diocesan hermit by Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston. For more information about the Assisi Project and our ministries with adults of all ages and backgrounds, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com.

Art Credit: Fotografia Felici – Alamy – DHDMFB

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ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers throughout the world. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization. Please support our ministry via Pay Pal (see link below) or mail a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. The Assisi Project Podcast is produced by the Assisi Project, Inc. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace!

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