A little boy's story captivated the world, including the pope, six months ago. Emanuele is only 10 years old, but his maturity far surpasses his age.
His father's death is a moment that marked his young life. He remembers that day vividly.
EMANUELE
“Dad died three years ago. It was on Nov. 10.”
Since that day, a doubt entered Emanuele's mind that kept him awake at night. It was a question only the pope could help him answer.
Half a year has passed and Emanuele, his mother, Elisabetta and Fr. Roberto recall this encounter very fondly.
EMANUELE
“I was cold.”
FR. ROBERTO
“I was ready to go there and take him toward the pope because he just wouldn't move. When the pope calls you, you can't say no!”
ELISABETTA
Emanuele's Mother
“The pope intervened in his simplicity, like a father. It was an overwhelming moment.”
In St. Paul of the Cross parish, during catechism class, the children were asked to write down a question to ask the pope when he visits. Out of all of them, Emanuele's question was chosen. He wanted to know if his dad was with God, despite him being an atheist.
“Do you feel better about your dad now?”
EMANUELE
“Yes, much better.”
“I'm much happier now that I have that certainty.”
ELISABETTA
Emanuele's Mother
“At that moment, I understood how important it was for him and realized the suffering Emanuele was holding in.”
“He told me: 'Mom, it's not because of you, but I wanted the Holy Father to give me the answer because he cannot lie to me.”
Emanuele says he would prefer to keep what he and the pope discussed about a secret.
EMANUELE
“I want what the pope and I talked about to stay between us, so I can't say.”
He and his family go to the parish every week. Every Sunday Emanuele helps Fr. Roberto during mass as an altar boy. Going to church is essential for them.
The conversation between him and the pope made such an impact on others that he even received a gift from his favorite soccer player, Francesco Totti. The player dedicated it to Emanuele and his father.
EMANUELE
“It was a surprise. We went to Church and I saw a man there with a tie on and a big bag.”
ELISABETTA
“Emanuele suspected something because he said to me, 'That man has the Rome symbol on his tie!'”
EMANUELE
“They gave me hats, gloves and the shirt from Totti's last game.”
“Well of course! Francesco Totti!”
Emanuele and his brothers and sisters have already prepared their Christmas wish lists.
“My dream is to be a criminal defense lawyer.”
“I want to be a chef.”
Irene is crying because she knows her wish is difficult to fulfill.
“Her dream is to see her dad again.”
Elisabetta Paciotti is the image of a courageous mother. Along with Emanuele, Irene, and Daniele, she has another son, Alessandro. He is 18 years old and has severe autism.
She takes care of her four children by herself. Elisabetta always smiles and sends a message to her children that no matter what obstacles life throws at them, they will always find a solution.
