Pope Francis Accepts Potholder Made By Hingham Girl

BOSTON (CBS) – During an appearance in Rome, a smiling Pope Francis accepted a handmade gift from a Massachusetts girl.

Megan Naughton, a 9-year-old who attends St. Paul Parish in Hingham, made a potholder when she found out her parents were going to attend a general audience with Pope Francis.

Naughton's parents appreciated their daughter's sentiment, but didn't expect it to get into his hands given that a crowd of thousands was expected.

But while waiting for Pope Francis' appearance on Wednesday, the Naughtons met an Italian couple who passed the gift to a priest nearby.

The priest gave the item to Pope Francis, who held it up, smiled and waved.

Laurence Naughton said he and his wife couldn't wait to tell Megan that Pope Francis had accepted her gift.

"We're thrilled for Megan as she's a great little girl and was excited about it happening," he told WBZ-TV.