John Ogah moved from being a homeless migrant in Italy to a legal resident and a hero within six months. But even with all these, his one wish was to be baptised by the Pope.
His wish came true over Easter when he bowed before Pope Francis to be baptised and welcomed into the Church as a new member.
Ogah was called a migrant hero after he, in September 2017, stopped a robber with a cleaver who tried to get away with 400 Euros. Ogah, who was begging outside the store, did not hesitate to fight off the man, holding him down until the police arrived before leaving.
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On his mind was the fear that the police would discover that he is not a documented migrant.
The police tracked him down using surveillance camera and helped him to make his status in Italy legal, as a reward for his actions. Ogah also received three job offers and encouragement to share his story with the Pope. In his letter, he expressed his desire to be baptised.
“I feel so happy right now. The Pope laid his hand on me … and believed I am somebody,” John, who made the local police captain Nunzio Carbone his godfather, told the BBC.
Ogah picked Francesco as his baptismal name, inspired by Pope Francis.
