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However, on the third call, it became clear Rabuffi was speaking to the actual Pope Francis, who is known to make phone calls to fans who write to him.
Francis called Rabuffi to offer his well-wishes after finding out the man was ill.
"I was speechless, but Francis came to my rescue, saying that what had happened was funny," Rabuffi told the print edition of Vatican newspaper l'Osservatore Romano.
Rabuffi said he and his wife attended the Vatican's general audience Wednesday to apologize in person for hanging up on the pope.