Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug 1, 2013 / 11:03 am
The young boy who brought Pope Francis to tears during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro was greeted with cheers from his classmates when school resumed on July 30.
According to Brazil's O Globo TV network, nine-year-old Nathan de Brito was received amidst applause from his schoolmates in the city of Cabo Rio. Wearing World Youth Day apparel and a cross, he was "given a hero's welcome," the network reported.
"Everyone already knew about his desire to be a priest and wanted to know about his encounter with the Pope and how he found the courage to get past the security guards."
His friends said they were excited to know that one of their own was very close to the Pope, and de Brito's family said they feel "very blessed."
"I need to learn a little bit of theology," the boy said with a smile, adding that he is ready for "everything" that the priestly vocation demands.