A young boy took centre stage during a speech by Pope Francis at a family event, refusing to leave his side.

Pope Francis was meeting Catholic families from around the world as part of 'Family Day' celebrations, when the child was captured by Vatican Television.

The Pontiff was talking to residents from and migrants who had arrived by sea, when the child left the bench where he had been sitting with other children.

He wasn't intimidated by the crowd of thousands who had come to hear the Pope speak at St. Peter's Square.

He kissed the Pope's crucifix and later even gave the pope a hug.

And when the pontiff stood up to deliver his speech, the boy was confident enough to nip into Pope Francis' white chair.