Every Wednesday, a unique event occurs in St. Peter's Square. The one with the keys of St. Peter is the only head of state who 'opens' the doors of his home to welcome thousands of pilgrims.
During the General Audience, there is a special ticket called the 'Baciamano'—which in English means 'hand-kiss'. Anyone with this ticket has the chance to greet the pope and have a brief conversation with him.
Those with the Baciamano sit in the upper section of the square called 'the Sacred', next to where the Pope delivers his catechesis. Here you can usually find dignitaries, members of vulnerable groups, bishops and cardinals, or recent newlyweds.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell was one of the lucky ones who got to greet Pope Leo XIV, and she gifted him The Book of Spices.
Another was the Spanish soccer player, Santi Cazorla, who won two Eurocups with the Spanish national team. He gave Pope Leo a jersey from his current club.
SANTI CAZORLA
Professional soccer player, Real Oviedo (Spain)
We gave him a couple of centennial jerseys and the home kit so he could have them as keepsakes with his name on them.
But it's not just about fame—it's about the combination of art and vocation. Consider sculptor José María Ruiz Montes, who crafted the bust of the King of Spain for the embassy to the Holy See.
And he also creates sacred art. For example, this sculpture of Christ has been blessed by the Pope because the sculptor brought him a small model and explained his work.
JOSÉ MARÍA RUIZ MONTES
Spanish sculptor
I showed him a painting based on a photograph of the Christ of Forgiveness, which I have in the Hermitage of Virgen de Gracia, in Puerto Llano, Castilla-La Mancha. It was a special moment to share. I showed him a photograph of a work I created, and for me it's like holding on to a relic—especially because the piece has been blessed by the Pope. It's something that will stay with me in my heart, as a gift of the moment and of His Holiness.
Wearing a wedding dress a second time may seem strange, but not for new brides who come with husbands for the papal blessing known as the 'Sposi Novelli'.
MARÍA Y CARLES
Newly married
We actually planned it on purpose so that our honeymoon would take us through Italy. It's been a real stroke of luck—after all, not everyone is able to get married and just three days later stand face-to-face with the Pope. Truly, it's been a huge blessing.
From the highest-ranking officials to humble pilgrims, all kinds of people come to meet the pope. Pope Leo XIV has welcomed footballers, actors, bullfighters, and supermodels—but he always makes special time for the children, revealing his more tender side.
