“Two months ago, Warrington residents Joey and Kristen Masciantonio say they experienced a miracle when Pope Francis spontaneously kissed their 1-year-old daughter, Gianna, on the head,” reported CBS Philadelphia Nov. 20.
“Gianna has a rare, inoperable brain tumor,” CBS reported. “Her blood cells attacked her brain stem weeks after birth, and surgery is not an option.”
But her parents now have hope after the papal kiss. “Now, two months later, they believe it helped lead to recent scans that show barely any sign of Gianna’s tumor.”
The family was able to get Gianna close to the Pope near Independence Hall. “I think this is all from God. I believe the Pope is a messenger from God,” her father, Joey Masciantonio, told Eyewitness News.
“She’s getting better and stronger. She’s blowing kisses. She’s starting to point at things,” Kristen Masciantonio told Eyewitness News.
“Gianna was named for St. Gianna, a modern-day saint who died in 1962. St. Gianna’s daughter was in Philadelphia and met little Gianna during the papal weekend. Her parents insist Gianna’s future is a bright one, and they can’t wait to sit down to show her and tell her what a difference a kiss can make,” CBS reported.
Joey Masciantonio said, “Last year was about living in honor of her. Now we’re going to get to live with her.”