[Nfbf-l] Pope Francis makes exception to bless guide dog.
Alan Dicey
adicey at bellsouth.net
Tue Mar 19 20:52:45 UTC 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013 9:33 PM
Subject: Pope Francis makes exception to bless guide dog.
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/03/pope-francis-makes-exception-to-bless-guide-dog/
Journalist Alessandria Forlani wasn't sure he'd even be allowed in when the
new pope met with the world media on Saturday. Guards had told him he most
likely wouldn't because of his guide dog, however Vatican officials let him
and his guide dog Asia in and after the pope's thank you speech to the media
Pope Francis asked to meet Forlani and Asia.
Forlani is a visually impaired radio journalist and showed up on Saturday at
the Vatican's auditorium for Pope Francis' address to the media.
Accompanying him was his guide dog, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Asia.
"As I waited in line to enter the hall, the security guards told me that
most likely I wouldn't be allowed to get in with the dog," Forlani wrote on
his Facebook page. "But after a few minutes, Vatican official gave me the
green light and I was accompanied by a Swiss guard to the audience hall."
Forlani and Asia were given a seat in the front rows.
After the pope delivered his speech a selected group of media went before
him. As they lined up Vatican officials came up to Forlani. "They said that
Pope Francis had asked to meet me. He had seen Asia and wanted to see both
us," said Forlani. "He broke the ceremonial rules as my presence on stage
with Asia wasn't previously arranged."
Asia walked by Forlani's side and approached pope Francis, giving his white
robe a brief sniff and then patiently waited while Forlani spoke with the
pope. Forlani asked the pope for a blessing for his wife and daughter. The
pope wanted to make sure Asia also got a blessing," He said, 'and a special
blessing for your dog too,'" Recalled Forlani. The pope reached down and
stroked the yellow Lab. The pope's attention and affection toward Asia is
fitting for the name he took as St. Francis is the patron saint of animals.
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