Embracing Special Needs: Pope Francis leads by example

During his recent visit to the east coast of the United States, Pope Francis repeatedly went out of his way to bless children with obvious intellectual and developmental disabilities.

When the pope’s plane touched down in Philadelphia, the Bishop Shanahan High School’s Marching Eagles band was on hand to welcome him, led by Chuck Keating, their band leader and teacher and also the father of Michael, 10, who has severe cerebral palsy, seizures and other complex medical issues.

As the Pope appeared in the aircraft’s doorway, the band launched into the theme from “Rocky.” By the time Francis was being slowly driven away in his black Fiat 500L, they were playing “Ode to Joy.” But then the car turned, headed toward the band, and stopped. Francis waved to bystanders and gave the band a thumbs-up.
Then he saw Michael and got out of the car. Pope Francis then walked up to Michael to bless him, and gently placed a kiss on his forehead.

Later, while visiting the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Center City, the Pope noticed two more children with disabilities, with their mothers in the front row. One of the mothers said that “Francis came right to the boys, hugged them, blessed them and made the sign of the cross on their foreheads.”

And the next day, while driving in his motorcade in a more rural section of PA, Pope Francis had the driver of the Fiat stop so he could get out and bless yet another child with severe disabilities.

When most people see a child, such as our son, with physical and developmental disabilities, they tend to do one of two things: stare, with an invisible cartoon balloon above their heads that says, “What’s wrong with that kid?” or avert their eyes, trying to be polite. More rare are the people who respond with a warm smile or a hello. 

Although I don’t agree with many aspects of the Catholic Church’s theology or ideology, I can’t help but be moved by the genuine outpouring of love and caring manifested by Pope Francis. His actions speak much louder than any beautifully written resolution of inclusion, and are an example for everyone to follow.