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Pope Francis caresses a man suffering from a rare disease on Wednesday, November 6, in St. Peter's Square. CLAUDIO PERI/EPA/LANDOV
The man was identified as suffering from neurofibromatosis, a condition that carries a high risk of tumor formation. CLAUDIO PERI/EPA/Landov
The Pope paused for several minutes to receive the sick man, according the the Catholic News Agency. CLAUDIO PERI/EPA/Landov
He reportedly took the man's face in his hands, kissed him and gave him a blessing. CLAUDIO PERI/EPA/Landov
The gesture came at the end of the Pope's general audience on Wednesday in St. Peter's Square. CLAUDIO PERI/EPA/Landov
Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Square to lead his general audience. CLAUDIO PERI/EPA/Landov