Child managed to evade Pope Leo XIV's security scheme: this is how the Supreme Pontiff reacted

In early June 2025, Pope Leo XIV agreed to receive a family in the Ducal Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace for a private audience, but upon his arrival at the premises he was approached by a small boy who managed to evade his security system.

According to the custodian of the Apostolic Tabernacle, among the guests was Giovanni Giordano, a man who works as a chaplain's assistant at the Carabinieri barracks in Rome, along with his wife and son.

According to Vatican News, while the couple was waiting for the pontiff, the child couldn't stop running and walking all over the place.

Father Bruno Silvestrini noted that the boy seemed to be in his own world, paying little attention to the etiquette and seriousness of the adults, so he took advantage of the wait to play without noticing everyone's gaze.

However, as soon as Pope Leo XIV appeared, the little boy could not contain his emotion and approached to hug him , even though the rest of the people were surprised by the child's gesture.

"While we adults remained serene, excited, perhaps even intimacy, due to the sacredness of the moment, that little one seemed to be illuminated," the custodian of the Apostolic Tabernacle added in an interview.

Far from being alarmed or rejecting the child's behavior, the Supreme Pontiff decided to kneel on the ground, to be at the same height, and a few moments later he reciprocated the display of affection.

The religious leader's surprising reaction was captured in several images, which show him smiling as he greets the child after realizing that not even his security team could stop him.

In his account, Father Bruno Silvestrini also indicated that the tender encounter between the little boy and Pope Leo XIV made him remember a phrase from the Gospel of Matthew: “Whoever does not humble himself like a child will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

With this reflection, the custodian of the Apostolic Tabernacle highlighted the humility and simplicity of the Supreme Pontiff, who, like Jesus, sets children as an example of the purest qualities.

DIGITAL REACH EDITORIAL