Pope breaks with tradition to bless guide dog

Pope meets Asia & Alessandro

When blind journalist Alessandro Forlani, from Italian RAI radio arrived at the Paul VI audience hall at the Vatican on Saturday, the security guards told him he probably would not be allowed to take his Golden Labrador guide dog Asia in with him.

“But after a few minutes, Vatican officials gave me the green light and I was accompanied by a Swiss guard to the audience hall. They let me sat near the first row of seats,” Forlani said.

At the end of the pope’s speech, a selected group of media VIPs were chosen to be presented to Pope Francis. As these journalists lined up to greet the Holy Father, Forlani said two Vatican officials came up to him. “They said that Pope Francis had asked to meet me. He had seen Asià and wanted to see both of us,” Forlani said.

Asià walked on the stage, briefly sniffed the Pope’s shoes and then waited patiently as Forlani talked to the pontiff.

“I asked for a blessing for my wife and daughter at home,” Forlani said. Pope Francis then leaned down and patted Asia, saying: "and a special blessing for your dog too."