#BlessedByThePope: The story behind the ailing girl in the Pope Francis selfie

Tricia Farnacio was treated to an unforgettable memory on Saturday night when she got to take a selfie with Pope Francis.

 

To think that the 16-year-old wasn't even supposed to be there.

 

"Actually nga po, we were in Tagaytay. I was having my treatment," she told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

 

Farnacio has nephrotic syndrome, which occurs when the filtering capability of the kidney is damaged.

 

Her condition has forced her to take a leave from her school two months ago. She is also being treated with steroids, which weaken her immune system and force her to wear a face mask so she won't be exposed to chemicals such as aircraft fumes.  

 

She got the rare chance to greet Pope Francis when her mother, through a friend, got them into Villamor Air Base for his arrival from Tacloban City. In a wheelchair because of her condition, she was happy and nervous at the same time when the Pope approached, but found the courage to ask him to pose for a picture.

 

"I wanted a photo lang, but I didn’t expect that it would turn out to something like this... I asked him if I could take a photo with him po, and then he said, 'Selfie!'" said Tricia, who was accompanied by her friend Jana in the photo.

 

For Tricia, the Pope will always have her admiration because he is "people-friendly" and "normal" despite the lofty position that he holds. —JST, GMA News