It was meant to be a day to celebrate families … but it was a little boy who stole the show when Pope Francis addressed massive crowds at St Peter’s Square earlier this week.

The young boy — a Colombian orphan named Carlos who had been adopted by an Italian couple — made his way on to the stage and hugged the legs of the unperturbed Pontiff as he addressed the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family at the Vatican.

Beautiful moment … former orphan boy Carlos hugs Pope Francis. Photo: Getty

The pair then shared the stage for the next few minutes, the young boy waving to the crowd before leading a young girl on to the stage to receive a gift.

Carlos then strode about the stage before sitting in the Pope’s chair — Pope Francis even giving the youngster a friendly pat on the head.

In a message on social media, Carlos’ adopted mother thanked the Pope and said the exchange was not planned.

“The blessing our son receives goes out to all the abandoned children in this world,” she said.

“Just another display of the pope and his kindness.”