Teenager goes for a spin in the popemobile Seventeen year-old Alberto di Tullio had a ride to remember on June 19. Pope Francis took the teenager, who has Down Syndrome, for a spin near the Vatican in Rome. A cheering crowd of tens of thousands had gathered to see the pope, who was celebrating his first 100 days in his post. Di Tullio had been in the crowd attending the general audience with his father. When he was introduced to the pontiff after the ceremony, Pope Francis noticed him looking at the popemobile and asked if he would like to jump up and have a look. The fact that the teenager was wearing an Argentinian national soccer team shirt may partly explain the invitation. Pope Francis is originally from Argentina. More about: Pope Francis, Vatican