Man featured in famous photo with pope dies at 58 January 11, 2024By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News 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 Catholic group helps parishes to share a table with the poor, following pope’s example After Vatican’s excommunication, SSPX in Kenya insists on Catholic identity, fighting archdiocese Pilgrims flock to Castel Gandolfo for Pope Leo’s first summer Angelus Pope Leo shares meal with vulnerable guests at Castel Gandolfo How a baseball rosary found its way to Pope Leo XIV Our Lady of Gietrzwald mosaic unveiled in Vatican Gardens ahead of 2027 Jubilee Copyright © 2024 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
