Sick child blessed by Pope Francis passes away

Three-year-old Brandon Emmanuel, who was suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension with severe lung damage, and who was blessed by Pope Francis during his visit to the country earlier this month, passed away Friday evening.

This was confirmed by the child's mother, Gladys Precilla Lao, to GMA News.

She said her son passed away at 6:44 p.m. on Friday at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City.

As of posting time, Gladys said the family is still making arrangements for the wake and funeral.

The Laos met Pope Francis during the "Encounter with Families" event at Mall of Asia Arena on .  — Amanda Fernandez/LBG, GMA News