Francesco Pio Tarantino is Spiderman for the children in the hospital where he was admitted years ago. He was born with Hirschsprung, a disease that requires the removal of part of the intestine. He underwent several operations and was admitted to Gaslini Hospital in Genoa, Italy.
Now, at the age of 19, Francesco visits various hospitals in Italy to entertain the children admitted. He met with Pope Francis at the end of the General Audience on Wednesday and received some words of encouragement.
FRANCESCO PIO TARANTINO
So as soon as he saw me he told me only one thing: Congratulations for what you are doing. What you are doing is very honorable because after all you have been through, it is not easy to go back to the hospital, but you have come back a superhero.
Francesco said he chose to be Spiderman instead of other superheroes because it is very easy to relate to Peter Parker. He is a character who never stops fighting in his personal life and that struggle motivated Francesco to give courage to sick children.
FRANCESCO PIO TARANTINO
That's why I wanted to make it clear that even a small gesture, like a visit from Spiderman, can give meaning to children who receive treatments every day. So, it's as if in that moment they put aside their illness and just think about watching and enjoying their moment with Spiderman.
This is not the first time Spiderman has visited the Pope. In 2021, 28-year-old Mattia Villardita met Pope Francis at the end of the audience.
PA
TR: AT
