Spiderman makes an appearance at Pope's audience

From behind the usual crowd of nuns, newlyweds and the faithful at the Pope's weekly general audience on Wednesday emerged a surprise guest: Spiderman.

Dressed in his classic red, black, and blue costume, he sat in the VIP section thanks to his work as a volunteer visiting sick children in hospitals.

The name behind the mask turned out to be Mattia Villardita, a 27-year-old port worker from Savona, Northern Italy.

He is the founder of Supereroiincorsia (Superheroes at the Ready), an association of volunteers disguised as superheroes who visit young patients in hospitals to give them a smile.

At the end of the weekly event, Spiderman was introduced to Pope Francis and then paused for a few selfies with some enthusiastic pilgrims.

"It was very exciting because Pope Francis immediately understood my mission," said Villardita.

"I gave him a mask I don't use anymore as a sign to tell him that through these eyes, I daily see pain from sick children in hospitals. I asked him to pray for them and their families, who really need his prayers," he added.

Last year, Villardita was awarded the honorary title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his "altruism and contribution."