“ I wish to meet the Pope.”
Brendan , age 4
Mid-Atlantic Chapter

Four-year-old Brendan keeps a photograph of Pope John Paul II in his room and prays to him. His parents, Frank and Maura, knew Brendan wanted to meet the pope and – because their son has a life-threatening illness – they contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-Atlantic. Wish granters arranged for Brendan, his parents, his brother Joseph and his sister Mollie to fly to Rome.

The family checked into the elite Victoria Hotel near the Via Veneto. From there, they waited for the Vatican's instructions, but a mix-up kept the family waiting until past their designated meeting time with the pope. Before they would tell Brendan that he had missed his once-in-a-lifetime chance, the parents called the Vatican switchboard to plead their case. Luckily, a nun offered to talk to the monsignor.

Within minutes, she called back with firm instructions – be at the pope's private chapel tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. The next day, the family dressed in their best clothes and heard mass from the 81-year-old pontiff. Afterwards, they were invited to meet the pope in an anteroom. When John Paul II walked in, Brendan ran up beside him and placed his hand on his arm. As the pope met the other people in the room, he would wink at Brendan and pat him on the head.

The pontiff gave everyone his blessing and prepared to exit the room. Just as he was about to leave through the door, Brendan ran toward him and said, "Bye, Pope." With that, the pontiff turned around, walked over to Brendan, leaned over, and shook his hand. The Vatican photographer snapped the picture seen in this story.

The family's trip to Rome lasted 10 days. Although Brendan's special friendship with the pope was a high point, the family experienced other exciting endeavors. The trip included a tour of the Vatican, a meal of gelato at a sidewalk café on the Piazza Navona and visits to many churches.

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Inspired Thoughts

  • This story just made tears flow out of my eyes. The fact that a four-year old's one true wish was to meet the Pope. It's just so touching.
    - Rowena 10/14/2006 14:27
  • What a beautiful story. I was moved to tears. God Bless that sweet little boy
    - Angie 12/07/2006 13:07
  • I'm choked up! I don't know what to say. May God bless little Brendan and give his family courage.
    - Patricia 01/12/2007 11:10
  • Awwwwww. This little boy is sooo cute. And he really had a beautiful wish!
    - Jessica 02/09/2007 22:30
  • This story can be an object of inspiration for many people! May our Father in Heaven bless Brendan and his family.
    - Kelly 01/27/2007 20:32
  • Now there is one cute kid! I would like to meet the pope, or at least see him in person, but Brendan deserves it more than I do. May God bless Brendan and rest Pope JP II's soul.
    - Kelsey 07/01/2007 22:42
  • I think that this story is amazing. It's a refreshing story to hear that the Catholic faith is upheld by such a little boy. Brendan is an inspiration to me, as a Catholic, to persevere in my faith no matter what happens.
    - Callie Cordell 04/12/2007 8:51
  • May God bless you, Brendan, for your strength and courage, and your family, that they have one of God's precious angels here on Earth!
    - Christine 04/12/2007 16:55
  • I just cried while reading this story...a 4-year old, wow. God bless that child, it's so touching, I loved it!!!
    - Elina 04/22/2007 14:15
  • I am in tears just reading this inspirational story of a beautiful angel having his wish granted by meeting the Pope.
    - Anna 07/24/2007 8:58
  • When I read this story, I automatically cried. It is very rare to hear or read about a little boy who wished to see the Pope. This boy's story touched my heart. May God bless you, Brendan, and your family. God is always watching for you.
    - Diana 03/30/2007 12:55
  • Brendan, it is wonderful that your dreams have been met. May God Bless you and guide you through out your life.
    - Dewayne 03/27/2007 11:08
  • Wow, this is so inspiring to me. A 4 year old who is living with a life threatning disease is enough, but then how he wanted to meet the Pope? That is just amazing! God Bless Brendan!
    - Stephanie 08/27/2007 13:55
  • God Bless Brendan. To think that a 4 year old boy would think of this as his one true wish is beyond words.
    - Brittany 02/02/2008 7:57
  • This really touched my heart, in fact, this whole website did.
    - Anthony 03/22/2008 23:53
  • Oh you dear, dear boy. I am so happy for you!! God bless you and your dreams. I was sobbing at the end!
    - Lauren 04/15/2008 12:58
  • May the Lord bless Brendan.
    - Lexy 02/27/2007 18:10
  • Wow, I am very impressed that little boy would desire to see the Pope. In fact, I am so impressed I am crying. What a beautiful thing! God bless you!
    - Shannon 06/09/2008 18:36
  • What a beautiful story! It brought tears and goosebumps. I'm glad Brendan got to have such a fine experience.
    - Kelly 10/16/2008 10:44

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©2006 Make-A-Wish Foundation®