The Cool Pictures of Pope Francis Braving the Rain to Bless the Crowd in St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis (L) waves to the crowd from his popemobile as he arrives for his general audience at St Peter's square at the Vatican on May 29, 2013. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

VATICAN CITY (TheBlaze/AP) -- The rain hasn't stopped Pope Francis.

The 76-year-old pontiff, who lost part of a lung during his youth to an infection, got soaked Wednesday as he braved a brief spring shower to kiss babies and greet crowds at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square.

Zooming around the piazza in his open-air jeep, Francis had no umbrella or cover over him as he made his way through a sea of brightly colored umbrellas, happily stopping to caress and kiss babies handed up to him.

The pictures of the spectacle are stunning, as the pope can be seen standing among the masses; individuals who are covering themselves from the falling waters surround him.

Pope Francis vawes at the crowd on May 29, 2013 as he arrives for his weekly general audience in St Peter's square at the Vatican. Credit: AFP/Getty Images 

Pope Francis vawes the crowd as he arrives for his general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican on May 29, 2013. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis (C) waves at faithful on May 29, 2013 as he arrives for his weekly general audience in St Peter's square at the Vatican. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Once Francis reached the covered platform at the top of the piazza steps, an aide brought him a roll of paper towels and he wiped his brow. His white cassock was visibly damp.

Francis praised the crowd for their "courage" in braving the rain. Many, too, will likely see his willingness to get soaked as an intriguing act -- one that shows the importance of reaching the masses over his own comfort.