A classic case of being in the right place at the right time for a Delaware County family led to an once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Pope Francis.
Nicole Campuzano, her husband, and their four children – including five-month-old Matthew – set up shop in front of a metal security gate at 5th and Market Streets about 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Drexel Hill family had tickets to see Pope Francis at Independence Hall and they were hoping to possibly catch a glimpse of the Holy Father.
However, when Pope Francis toured Old City in his “Popemobile,” something more magical and divine happened.
Campuzano said her husband was holding Matthew when a Secret Service agent spotted him, took the child from his arms and walked Matthew over to Pope Francis in the Popemobile.
Pope Francis then kissed young Matthew on his forehead and the Secret Service agent brought him back to his family.
Nicole Campuzano told NBC10 prior to the Pope’s arrival, she had “feeling in her gut” that something would happen.
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“God paved the way” and it “worked out,” Campuzano said.
Campuzano said Matthew was born with congenital hydrocephalus, a condition which requires brain surgery to place a shunt to relieve excess fluid in the brain. He had surgery at three days old. Campuzano said Matthew is doing well and has no issues.
Campuzano, who is Roman Catholic, she has been “overwhelmed” by the positive response she has received since the divine encounter.
