Valerie Herrera has a skin condition called vitiligo which causes a loss of skin pigment on the body. The result is that some places on her body are darker than others. No big deal, right? She’s still obviously a stunning young lady. However, a few of the kids at middle school began bullying Valerie because she is different.
Enter: The Pope. Yes, that pope — Pope Francis. And no, it isn't just that those bullies could really learn a thing or two from the Pope's 10 tips for being happy (#8 is respect others!).
Valerie and another student at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago received a special video chat with him, and let’s just say, Valerie was very nervous.
The visit from the Pope came as a bit of surprise. School administrators were told they would be meeting a "world leader," but they had no idea it would be him.
Valerie was already in shock that she was having a conversation with Pope Francis. Then he made one unthinkable request.
"I would like to hear you sing," he tells her. "May I ask of you to sing a song for me." Still in shock, Valerie composes herself and begins to sing "By You, Mary."
She begins to sing and her voice trembles a bit but she manages to get through a teary-eyed version of the song. The moment is beautiful, and you can tell she'll remember it forever.
Please SHARE if you're glad Valerie got her big moment!
