God bless Pope Francis.

Via Daily Mail:

Pope Francis concluded Wednesday’s general audience in St Peter’s Square in Rome by kissing a man covered in boils and joining him in prayer.

Photos of the pontiff embracing the severely disfigured man have gone viral online, with commenters praising the pope’s for his compassion and kindness.

In Italian press, the pope has drawn comparisons to his illustrious namesake, St Francis of Assisi – a revered 13th century holy figure, who according to legend kissed a leper he had encountered on a road after receiving a message from God.

Images of Pope Francis comforting the ailing worshiper were taken at the end of the general audience Wednesday, when a man covered in neuronal tumors approached the leader of the Catholic Church asking for a blessing.

The man reportedly suffers from a rare and painful disease called neurofibromatosis, which causes boils, impaired vision and in some cases cancer, according to the Catholic News Agency.

Patients suffering from the ailment, with is genetic and not contagious – are often shunned by society because of their appearance.

Which is exactly what Christ would have done.

Matthew 8:1-4: When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”