Matt Campuzano, a Marple 10-year-old, has a special connection to Pope Francis, reports Joe Holden for CBS News Philadelphia.
When he was five months old, the Pope kissed his head while traveling around Philadelphia in September 2015.
It’s a special memory for his mother, Nicole Campuzano.
“Even now, when I look at them, I can’t believe that happened,” she said. “It feels like watching a movie or something like that.”
She believes Pope Francis’ moment with her son made a difference.
Matt was born with hydrocephalus, a condition when extra fluid builds up in your brain, requiring a shunt to drain it.
“So when he was kissed by the pope, we felt it was an extra grace and blessing for his life, and he is doing so well,” Nicole said.
So well, in fact, Matt is looking ahead to spring basketball season.
And keeping the Pope in his prayers.
Francis is in critical condition and has been hospitalized for 10 days with pneumonia in both lungs and other complications.
Matthew, of course, doesn’t remember his moment with Pope Francis, but it changed him. Just looking at pictures of the event “makes me feel blessed,” Matt said.
Read more about Matt Campuzano and Pope Francis at CBS News Philadelphia.
