9-year-old boy blessed by pope dies

A 9-year-old Montgomery County boy who was blessed by Pope Francis during the papal visit died of cancer, his family announced.

A Facebook page chronicling Landon Vargas’ bout with cancer said the East Norritonchild died Saturday evening.

The news was first reported by Philly Voice.

“Landon was an intelligent, funny and loving 9-year-old that touched many in his short time,” his parents wrote on the Landon Vargas Support Page.”He fought valiantly for five years. We don’t know anyone tougher or braver than him.”