By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Some local residents, including a father and son got the chance to be a part of the Pope's first U.S. visit. But they weren't just part of the celebration, 7-year-old Ricky Gordon was blessed by Pope Benedict himself.
Ricky Gordon and his dad traveled to Washington to get a glimpse of the Pope. They got what they hoped for — and lot more.
“That's my favorite picture right there,” said Ricky.
It's 15 seconds, Ricky Gordon will never forget — being blessed by Pope Benedict XVI. There's a shot of Ricky being held up by his dad at the Vatican Embassy as the Pope briefly stops to place his hands on Ricky's head.
“He's praying for me,” said Ricky.
Ricky and his dad Rick got the chance to make the trip to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the Pope's first U.S. visit — a visit where he would also be celebrating his 81st birthday.
Ricky, who is just weeks away from making his first Holy Communion, made the Pope a birthday card.
“It said – happy birthday Pope Benedict. I love you and can you pray for me when I make my first Holy Communion in June. And it said to pray for my mom because she is having a baby,” said Ricky.
To his surprise, he was able to personally hand the Pope his gift.
“I gave him the card; he said thank you and I said I love him and he said I love you back,” said Ricky.
It was also an emotional day for his dad Rick. He able to kiss the Pope's fisherman ring, this moment was something he had prayed for.
“Here is a man that is a leader of a billion Catholics and was on his way to the White House and was on his way to talk to the President on world peace. But for those 15 seconds, it was as if we were the only ones there for him. He paid such close personal attention to each one of us — a remarkable gift,” said Rick.
He says there's no greater joy than having your child blessed by the Pope. But after that blessing, little Ricky got some strict orders from Mom back in Henderson.
“Ricky – don't wash your face, okay. I want to kiss your cheek when you come home,” said Ricky.
But even though he's already washed his face, the memories of this moment will never wash away. After he was blessed by the Pope, Ricky tells us he was interviewed by several media outlets including the Washington Post.
He says he's tired from his trip and after our interview — he was looking forward to a nap.
Email your comments to Reporter Melissa Duran.
