Pope Francis: Syrian refugee family ‘saved’ by pontiff praying amid health battles

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Nour Essa and Hasan Zaheda The family remembers the kindness Francis showed Riad as he patted the boy's head while walking down the aisle of the papal plane, a highly visible moment of advocacy for migrants that has defined much of Francis' papacy. Sant’Egidio’s goal was to spare migrants longer journeys by sea across different routes in the Mediterranean, which have killed tens of thousands of asylum-seekers willing to “die for hope” over the years, Ms Pompei said. open image in gallery Hasan and Riad Zaheda play basketball in the courtyard of their home In the characteristic Roman accent they’ve acquired, the Zaheda parents told of their challenges – having to reenroll in university so their degrees can be recognised, helping their families come to Europe, taking care of their son. For Sunday’s iftar – the meal breaking the day’s fast – the family topped a little table with yogurt-and-chickpea tisiyeh salad and take-out pizza in typical Roman flavors like zucchini flowers and anchovies.