As his Popemobile took its final turn towards the altar at Randwick Racecourse yesterday morning, he brought his cavalcade to a stop.

``He likes red I believe and the baby, having a red jacket on, attracted his attention,'' said Claire's father, Nowra High School teacher Peter Hill.

``He asked one of the security guards to come and take the baby to him, for a blessing from the Pope's lips.

``The security guard dressed in black took (Claire) to the Popemobile and the electronic window wound down and he held the baby up, the Pope took the baby, took her in close and then kissed her on the head.''

Mr Hill, who has 10 other children with his wife, Sue, could not believe his eyes.

``I had a tear in my eye. I thought a blessing for my family. And a blessing for everybody around here nearby. I felt very thankful to all the people who were near me and let me get near the fence,'' he said.

After her close encounter with the Pontiff, many people asked Mr Hill if they could hold Claire, one of a number of babies blessed by the Pope.

``Since the baby's been blessed people have thought that somehow the blessing may pass on to them so everyone's been taking photos and asked if they can hold the baby.''