Photos: Pope embraces disfigured man

Pope Francis caresses a man suffering from a rare disease on Wednesday, November 6, in St. Peter's Square.

The man was identified as suffering from neurofibromatosis, a condition that carries a high risk of tumor formation.

The Pope paused for several minutes to receive the sick man, according the the Catholic News Agency.

He reportedly took the man's face in his hands, kissed him and gave him a blessing.

The gesture came at the end of the Pope's general audience on Wednesday in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Square to lead his general audience.