Irish teenager takes cousin to Lourdes to meet Pope Leo

A 14-year-old Irish teenager has brought her cousin to Lourdes to receive a special blessing from Pope Leo.

Whitney Connors travelled from Wexford, Ireland, with her 35-year-old cousin Ann, who has a degenerative disease and has been unwell since birth.

"We came from Ireland to get Ann a special blessing from the Pope because she's not very well," Whitney said.

The teenager expressed hope that her cousin would receive the spiritual help she sought.

"She has been sick since birth, and I just hope she gets her intentions," Whitney explained while caring for Ann during their visit.

Whitney described the pontiff as a "very, very powerful person" and said they felt blessed to see Pope Leo with Ann.

Pope Leo blessed Ann during their encounter, fulfilling what the family described as Ann's dream.

The family expressed joy and gratitude for what they called a "lovely experience" at the famous pilgrimage site.