Disfigured Man whom Pope Francis Embraced at the Vatican - whose Image went Viral has Died - RIP Vincenzo Riva

Pope Francis embraced a deformed man in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on November 6, 2013, after his weekly general audience. This image went viral around the world over the Internet at the time. The man, whose name is Vincenzo Riva, had a medical condition called neurofibromatosis, which began affecting his body at age 15. Sadly, Vincenzo died in Vicenza, Italy, on January 10th at the age of 58. (See video Interview with Vincenzo below.)
Luca Zaia, president of Italy’s Veneto region, said in a statement on January 11th that the photos were a reminder to everyone that “in the face of all the barriers that might create isolation in illness, inclusion and socialization are a universal right for the sick and a duty for all of society. For this we are grateful to him and will remember him.”
In a world that too often stresses “the pursuit of the outward perfection of the body,” he said, Riva — affectionately known by his nickname Vinicio — showed the “great dignity and value of life, even in suffering.”
He was “a role model who traced a path of care and respect,” Zaia said.
The disease called neurofibromatosis and is not contagious but genetic. This causes neuronal tumors all over the body causing pain and learning disabilities. Pope Francis gave this man some time and kissed him and gave him a blessing. (Sources: Vatican News and Catholic News Service)