POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — Following the death of Pope Francis, a central Ohio family is reflecting on the special moment they shared with him about seven years ago.
On a wall in the Lombardi’s home are pictures from their visit to the Vatican in 2018. One of the pictures is of their son Peter, 12 at the time, in the popemobile with Pope Francis.
“Peter just rode around with Pope Francis for about 20 minutes. We could see him on the jumbo screen, we’re like that’s where he is, it was absolutely incredible,” said Brenda Lombardi, Peter’s mother.
In 2017, Peter was battling leukemia. While he was receiving treatment, Pope Francis was visiting Philadelphia. Brenda said she and Peter were watching coverage of that visit on television in the hospital. At the time, Peter said one of his wishes was to be kissed on the head by Pope Francis. That ended up happening during their visit in 2018.
“We just held Peter up and yelled Papa Francis and his security team saw Peter, and Pope Francis kind of pointed to Peter. They came over and picked him up and placed him up to Pope Francis so he could bless him and kiss him which he did,” Brenda said.
Brenda said their tour guide helped get them near the front at the papal audience. Initially, they’d prayed they’d just be able to see the pope. After the kiss, Pope Francis took Peter into the popemobile and rode around with him through the crowd for about 20 minutes.
“We never in our lives ever thought that was going to happen, going there on the trip and then having Pete ride around in the popemobile and so yeah definitely a special connection to him just because of what he did for Pete and for our family,” said Matt Lombardi, Peter’s father.
The Lombardis said part of Pope Francis’ legacy will be how he reached out to those with disabilities. They said they are grateful they got to experience that firsthand.
“It was extraordinary. He took our little prayer that was, we just want to see the pope to its, like, to something unimaginable. But that’s the way God works, right?” Brenda said.
