Physical Wellness

Toddler’s Tumor Shrinks After Getting a Kiss from Pope Francis, Parents call it a Miracle

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Nov 23, 2015 09:34 AM EST

A family from Philadelphia, PA believes that Pope Francis' kiss has led to a miracle recovery for their sick baby girl.

Joe and Kristen Masciantonio revealed that after their one-year-old daughter, Gianna received a kiss from the Pope two months ago, her tumor has shrunk to the point where it can barely be detected. The radiologists could not calculate the percentage of the shrinkage because they cannot see or measure where the tumor's edges are. Gianna 

"I think this is all from God. I believe the Pope is a messenger from God," Joe, Gianna's father, said.

Her mother, Kristen added, "She's getting better and stronger. She's blowing kisses. She's starting to point at things."

Back on Sept. 26, the family drove into city with the hopes of meeting the Pope.

They were able to position themselves along the Pope's route after reportedly being tipped off by family friend, Donny Asper. Asper told them that Pope Francis would be passing by James A Byrne U.S. Courthouse on Market Street by 7th after he exists Independence Hall. Once they got to the spot, Joe and Kristen held out Gianna as far out as they could.

"He just caught our eye . . . it's like God told him," Joe said. "It was truly blessed. God really let her know he heard her prayers."

The Pope's bodyguard, Domenico Giani, helped bring Gianna to the Pope, who then gave her a kiss on the head.

Gianna's condition developed weeks after she was born when her blood cells started to attack her brain stem. The young girl was left with an inoperable brain tumor and was receiving rounds of chemotherapy. Now, with her condition significantly improved, her family can start planning ahead.

"Last year was about living in honor of her," Joe said. "Now we are going to get to live with her."

Joe and Kristen also have a four-year-old boy named Dominic.

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