Pope Francis interacted with children on the autism spectrum as he encouraged people everywhere to be open to the needs of people on the spectrum. He is hopeful that this will help to break “the isolation and, in many cases also the stigma” attached to disorders on the autism spectrum.

One parent said "For us, we are parents of a child affected with autism, this meeting was very important. It was as an outstretched hand through a problem that is very often not considered in the right way."

This is an incredible example of how we need to see people for who they are, not for what they are impacted by. With over 7,000 people in the Vatican for this interaction, the Pope was able to show his love and support for the autism spectrum community along with people of all abilities and talents in a big way.

See the full interactions of the Pope with special needs children here.