The Touching Photos of Pope Francis Hugging and Blessing a Room Packed With 600 Disabled Vatican Visitors

Pope Francis commanded the world's attention last week when he embraced a severely disfigured man. He again made headlines over the weekend after holding a special gathering with hundreds of disabled visitors at the Vatican.

Francis moved around the room and greeted each person individually with blessings, hugs and conversation. He spoke out against society's treatment of the disabled and told those in attendance that they should put aside any feelings of shame.

In order to accommodate the 600 disabled visitors in attendance, officials had to remove rows of seats from the auditorium where they gathered, the Associated Press reported.

The event showed Francis' continued concern for individuals who face special challenges.

Francis' meeting with these visitors came just days after he received accolades for blessing and embracing an unidentified man in St. Peter's Square last Wednesday.

The encounter between the pontiff and the unnamed individual reportedly took place after Francis addressed his general audience, when the man approached the Catholic leader and asked to be blessed.

You can read more about it and see the stunning pictures here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

--

Featured image credit: AP

[related]