When Dario Ramirez found out that he was one of a few lawmakers who would get a rare audience with the Pope, he set a plan in motion that would leave everyone stunned.

The young Venezuelan lawmaker was a member of a group of Venezuelan deputies who were visiting the Vatican. Ramirez, a politician-in-exile and human rights activist, invited his girlfriend, Maryangel Espinal, to join him at a reception for Catholic legislators.

In exile from the dictatorial Maduro regime in Venezuela, Ramirez had arranged a very special surprise for his girlfriend - and Pope Francis!

For a few minutes, Ramirez spoke with Pope Francis, before turning his attention to Espinal. As he knelt down on one knee, the crowed gasped with joy and The Pope said:

"He asked you to marry him, what do you say?" stunned, she replied, "Yes, of course" and the couple received a blessing from The Pope himself!

The carefully planned proposal went off without a hitch. Mr. Ramirez received permission from Cardinal Christoph Schí¶nborn to ask the question during his meeting with The Pope.

Even though it was planned, Pope Francis still seemed to be unaware, yet pleasantly surprised by the sincere proposal.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

[h/t NDTV / The Telegraph ]