The pope has been meeting with Canadian bishops ad limina this week, and part of that visit included a young man who accompanied the bishops and sang for the pope:

Canadian singer Jeremy Gabriel stands next to Cardinal Marc Ouellet and presents the rosary he received from Pope Benedict XVI after meeting and singing for the pontiff at the Vatican, Thursday May 11, 2006. The blond nine-year-old boy suffering from Treacher Collins syndrome, a genetic craniofacial birth defect, sang ‘Je louerai l’Eternel’ during a ceremony, part of a visit to the pontiff with members of the Canadian bishops conference. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)

A news story:

A young Quebecer who suffers from a rare condition sang for Pope Benedict XVI in Rome on Thursday.

Jérémy Gabriel’s performance took place at 11:30 a.m. in Rome, 5:30 a.m. in his home town of Quebec City.

There were few cameras allowed in the room; only a small audience gathered.

Gabriel has Treacher Collins Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes facial disfigurement and deafness.

Jérémy Gabriel was eager to sing for the Pope.

After several surgeries, the young boy regained his hearing and spent years learning to sing.

From the Globe and Mail:

Yet for Jérémy, the appearances at these prestigious events still fell short of his goal of singing a hymn for the Pope, an ambition he said he has nurtured since watching the funeral of Pope John Paul II on TV last year.

Jérémy’s wish impressed Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec and primate of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada, who brought it to the attention of Pope Benedict XVI.

"The Holy Father was moved by the young boy’s story. After a moment of silence he said, ‘Let’s do it.’ He decided in 30 seconds. It was quite touching," Cardinal Ouellet said recently in explaining the Pope’s decision to honour Jérémy’s request.

And then, Chavez:

Chavez More photos here, from Catholic Press Photo

The official word on the meeting:

Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released a communique this morning concerning the meeting of the Holy Father with Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela.

"In the course of the meeting," the communique reads, "the president illustrated to the Pope the projects of social change taking place in his country. Benedict XVI then drew to the president’s attention certain themes of particular concern to him.

"In the first place he reiterated the freedom of the Holy See to appoint bishops, and expressed the hope that the Catholic University of "Santa Rosa de Lima" may always maintain its Catholic identity.

"The Holy Father also expressed his concern over an education reform project in which there would seem to be no provision for teaching religion. He further asked that public health programs uphold the fundamental principle of protecting life from its very beginnings. He also underlined the importance of the independence of Catholic media.

"President Hugo Chavez gave assurances of his concern for the Holy Father’s requests and expressed his commitment to overcome all forms of tension in full respect for everyone’s rights.

"Finally, the Holy Father consigned a personal letter to the president summarizing his pastoral concerns for the good of the country.

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