Freak Or Unique?

Vinicio Riva (53) is the man with a bunch of grapes for a face. Really they are fibrous growths; and not only on his face but all over his body – on his hands, in his hair, everyblinkin’where. It’s his face which commands attention, however. So many globules you’d swear it was painted on: an artists’ jape; a juicy mash-up of still life and life drawing.

The Pope, it seems, was drawn immediately to him. Came straight over and kissed and hugged him like a long lost friend. Because we are all friends of the Holy Father, yes? We can expect nothing less. Or is it a case of one freak recognising the other? Feeling the kindred spirit – the spirit of loneliness which lives in the papal garb as much as Vinicio’s disfigurement.

What is that growing on your face, your Holiness?