The pope reportedly felt the Vatican was in good hands on Wednesday when the neighborhood’s friendly Spider-Man dropped by after the pontiff’s weekly audience.
Those visiting the holy city would have been forgiven for thinking the web-slinger had arrived to save Pope Francis of Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Kingpin or Green Goblin.
But the most observant among them would have noticed that it was not Peter Parker who was visiting St. Peter’s Square.
The costumed arrival who appeared to be Spider-Man was actually a real-life superhero – a man named Mattia Villardita who visits pediatric hospitals in Italy to entertain child patients.
Mr Villardita, who had removed his mask to reveal his true identity, bowed as he shook hands with the pontiff in the square in front of St Peter’s Basilica.
The pope smiled and spoke enthusiastically to Mr. Villardita before parting ways.
The pontiff had earlier delivered a joint blessing with Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a historic reunion of their predecessors.
