Francesca Michielin is receiving some truly supreme support ahead of Eurovision 2016!

On Saturday the 21-year old Italian songstress had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Pope Francis! Twelve points from the Vatican City?

Clearly moved by the experience, she took to social media to share a selfie with the leader of the Catholic Church.

On Instagram she wrote: “Forever in my heart! Grazie Papa Francesco!”

The photo clocked up more than 80,000 likes on Facebook within a few hours.

Francesca was in Rome to participate in a special concert at the Stadio Olimpico to commemorate the “Jubilee of Young Boys and Girls”.

She delivered another brilliant rendition of her ESC track “No Degree of Separation”. She opted for the full Italian version.

Before the performance, Simone Annichiarico — host of the concert — asked her about Eurovision. Francesca said she will embark on a special project connected to her song, which, as you know, was inspired by the theory of six degrees of separation.

The young singer will travel Stockholm on a bus and make six stops in six European cities starting from her hometown Bassano del Grappa, near Venice.

In an interview with the Italian Eurovision source Eurofestival News, Francesca revealed that she will definitely stop in Vienna and Berlin.

Day after day there are fewer degrees of separation between Francesca and all of us — we cannot wait to see her in Sweden!

READ MORE ITALY EUROVISION NEWS

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Melissa J
Melissa J
7 years ago

@Daan Very few people have actually died as the result of any religion. This is a misinterpretation by modern culture. And our current Pope is much more open minded and accepting than those previously–he has stated numerous times that it is not his place to judge people, that he welcomes all who have faith (and those who don’t). Slowly, but surely, the Catholic Church is evolving to catch up to modern times. It’s not a perfect institution by far, but your comments are woefully inaccurate and misleading. At the end of the day, this is a wonderful show of support… Read more »

Misio
Misio
7 years ago

Hmm last time met Pope Leonardo DiCaprio … and won Oscar :PPP Francesca …

Rock Me
Rock Me
7 years ago

@Daan:
VC won’t join ESC but your comment is plain rude.

Fransen
Fransen
7 years ago

@Alvaricomg

You’re welcome! Are you going to vote for Francesca? 🙂

Alvaricomg
Alvaricomg
7 years ago

thanks so much @Fransen !!!

mawnck
mawnck
7 years ago

“The Vatican City in ESC? That’s nearly impossible! ”

Based on the rules, it’s TOTALLY impossible. They don’t have an EBU member television broadcaster.

Daan
Daan
7 years ago

I never stated homosexuals are better than heterosexuals now did I? I just find it extremely hypocrit of people to support this “country” who is the cause of millions of innocents deaths, slaughters and still the case of hatred towards LGBT community to day, yet bash Russia for laws that are the exact same in this “country.” If it weren’t for them forcing their religion up to everyone all those deaths would probably be spared. Having known people who didn’t came out of the closet because of their bigotted christian families, knowing people who are afraid of being themselves because… Read more »

Skandar
Skandar
7 years ago

@Daan Your comment, your hate is the proof that gay people are not better than straight people. Just people like others. Hate has no sex orientation…

Poppina
Poppina
7 years ago

I love this song so much! and francesca is such a cutie. Top 3 for Italy again

sonic0201
sonic0201
7 years ago

@Daan
Your comment is as intolerant as the anti gays.

Daan
Daan
7 years ago

Ew. Lets hope `vatican city` NEVER EVER joins Eurovision. People whine and moan about Russia, yet are positive about the BIGGEST HOMOPHOBIC constitute on earth joining eurovision responseable for 2000 years of slaughter of lgbt people.. I dont understand. If they join, I would surely boycot them.

Fransen
Fransen
7 years ago

@Alvaricomg

Yes, you’re right.
The Italian team is working on something special, helped by a great creative director (Nicoline Refsing who took care of the performances by Conchita, The Common Linnets, Aminata. She’s got a great portfolio, just google her: Rockart Design). Francesca Michielin said it would be a very emotional performance. The idea is to plant a seed (of love, peace, sharing) on stage, which I suppose will turn out to become a tree. Nicoline Refsing told me on Twitter she would bring something never seen before on Eurovision.

Alvaricomg
Alvaricomg
7 years ago

is it true that she ha revealed the staging of her perfomance (about trees, green lights and seeds)

Nicky91
Nicky91
7 years ago

I have respect for Pope Francis, i didn’t he likes eurovision as well 🙂

David Who
David Who
7 years ago

@EscAddict: “Some rock from Gibraltar would be awesome.” – I thought Gibraltar WAS a rock? :p just kidding.
Vatican City choir would be… interesting. 🙂

Fransen
Fransen
7 years ago

@Richard

I totally agree with you. She deserves to do well! 🙂

Fransen
Fransen
7 years ago

The Vatican City in ESC? That’s nearly impossible! 😀
The content of the broadcasting television channel is 100% religious.
How about the jury members? The only Vatican citizens are the Pope, the cardinals living in Rome or in the Vatican City, some members of the clergy, people and diplomats working for the Holy See, the Swiss guards (around 500-600 in total). Nevertheless, I must say it would be fun to see the Pope and four cardinals judge the performances, especially the “sinful” ones. xD. xD

Richard
Richard
7 years ago

A lovely clip of Francesca performing at the festival. She’s totally charming and her song is one of the few that makes me stop and listen all the way through. Having taken receipt of my cd the other day there are plenty of songs that are great to play while doing the dusting, but few that make you stop an listen, and this is one. She deserves to do well.

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

What a wonderful experience. Francesca is co cute and I have utmost respect for Pope Francis.

And yeah, I agree Robyn, I would love to see Vatican City next year on ESC. They usually have impecable taste in music. Maybe if Italy wins…?

Diane
Diane
7 years ago

I love the enthusiasm she has towards Eurovision and embracing this competition with such a positive attitude.. Glad this is coming from one of current and considerably successful acts in Italian music today.

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga
7 years ago

At least someone is doing something productive & artistic during her spare time. That is a busy hardworking artist who has a career. Good luck on your journey girl 😀

EscAddict
EscAddict
7 years ago

Some rock from Gibraltar would be awesome.

BTW, Francesca is so nice. I love her attitude, her singing voice & her song. Top 10 for me.

Mimi
Mimi
7 years ago

@Ben Rafter
Kosovo competing with Serbia? That would be a bit awkward…

Darren
Darren
7 years ago

Faroe Islands is trying to participate too, I heard a while back. I don’t think they could as they are still technically part of Denmark but yeah,
Be nice to see Vatican City, Liechtenstein, Kosovo, and Gibraltar attempt to participate.

This is my opinion (TIMO)
This is my opinion (TIMO)
7 years ago

Isn’t she so sweet, best of luck francesca 🙂

Ben Rafter
Ben Rafter
7 years ago

@Robyn Gallagher
I doubt the Vatican will ever participate. Lichtenstein probably will soon. You forgot about Kosovo too.