Blind Muslim activist among the few set to meet with Pope Francis

EAST HARLEM (WABC) -- Only a select few will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of meeting Pope Francis during his whirlwind visit to the United States this week, but one such man who will get his chance on Friday in East Harlem he couldn't be more different than the pontiff.

For starters, he is Muslim, and he comes from a different background as well. But when Mamadou Drame, who has just 40 percent of his eyesight, meets the pope, both will share a unique experience.

"It is necessary to have love, sharing and unity in both religions around the world," Drame said.

They will meet at a special reception at Our Lady Queen of Angels for 150 immigrants served by Catholic Charities.

"Blind, who I am, and a Muslim, who I am," he said. "It is the happiest thing to me to meet the pope."

Once tortured and imprisoned, the native of Guinea is now an outspoken supporter of those with disabilities. He attended a conference at the United Nations two years ago, only to learn that if he returned to Guinea, others threatened to kill him.

Alone in New York City and speaking no English, with no home or job, he turned to Catholic Charities.

Case-management supervisor Elika Nerette, who speaks French, was his lifeline.

"We still help with food every now and then, and MetroCards," she said. "And I'm the person when something comes up."

He was helped with immigration, so his wife and three children could join him here.

"I would say Mr. Drame, you just have to hold tight, be strong," Nerette said. "Things will get better."

Drame believes his Muslim faith shares a similar message -- of peace and helping the downtrodden -- as that of Pope Francis, as two very different men seek to find a common bond.

"We are expecting that the pope will bless us with good health and better lives," he said.