He and his mother had tickets to see the Pope at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, during Pope Francis’ 2015 tour of the United States. They ended up missing the event due to Peter’s treatment.
“We were watching Pope Francis the whole time and the Make-A-Wish representative came into our room, Peter’s hospital room, and asked, ‘So Peter, what is your make-a-wish?’” Brenda said. “And Peter said, “I want to be kissed by that man who is kissing all those children on TV.”
Thanks to the foundation, Peter’s wish came true on March 28, when Pope Francis saw Peter – who is 12-years-old – in the crowd of people and stopped the Popemobile to have him lifted in.
“I rode with him and he gave me a kiss and blessing,” he said after a ride twice around the crowded square during the General Audience in St Peter’s Square. Peter was also delighted to have received a balloon animal after the experience.
In remission since June year last, Peter is visiting Rome and Medjugorje for two weeks with his parents, Brenda and Matt, and his three brothers, “to thank our Lord for his healing and to thank the Blessed Mother; for their faithfulness, for their love and mercy upon our family,” Brenda said.
“God protected him throughout his leukaemia,” she continued. “God’s mercy is so infinite and his grace through the heavy crosses are even bigger and better in the end when you put your trust in him.”
Watch the clip here: