[Nfbf-l] Pope Francis makes exception to bless guide dog.

[Alan Dicey]

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.