Pope Francis hugs and kisses man covered in tumors

In his latest gesture of compassion to the marginalized, Pope Francis openly embraced and kissed a man covered in tumors during his general appearance in the Vatican square, the Catholic News Agency reported.

Pope Francis reportedly embraced the man, suffering from neurofibromatosis, at the end of the November 6 general audience held at the St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.

"As he carried out his typical greeting of pilgrims at the conclusion of the general audience, Pope Francis paused for several minutes to receive the sick man in his arms," the Catholic News Agency reported.

"Moments later, he took the man’s face in his hands, kissed him, and gave him a blessing," the new agency added.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that affects the growth of nerves, causing it to form tumors, according to the US National Library of Medicine website. The tumors are usually benign, but can also be cancerous.

Earlier, Pope Francis visited the imprisoned youth, responded to letters with personal phone calls, and invited the local homeless to dine at St. Peter’s Square, the Catholic News Agency said. — BM, GMA News