By Hilary Clarke, CNN
Updated 1:41 PM ET, Mon July 3, 2017
Charlie Gard has a rare genetic disorder known as mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome.
Story highlights
Pope hopes Charlie Gard's parents' desires "will be respected," statement says
Donald Trump offers unspecified support in tweet
London (CNN) The fate of Charlie Gard, a terminally ill infant, has come to the attention of two of the most powerful people on the planet: Pope Francis and US President Donald Trump.
Last week, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that a hospital can discontinue life support to the baby, who has a rare genetic disease. His doctors wish to take him off life support, but his parents disagree. Charlie's parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, wanted the hospital to release Charlie into their custody so they can take him to the United States for an experimental treatment.
