So we should assume he was going to distribute it? Against all the conventions of his day?
The situation was deemed serious enough to entrust the Blessed Sacrament to a 12 year old, and yes, from the story as it was told by the Holy Father, this was not the convention of that time.
I’m not going to argue with you. The distribution of Holy Communion ought to be carried out by the ordinary ministers, but legitimate authority has allowed extraordinary ministers to be used and has laid out what the circumstances under which they may be used. That is the “convention” of our day. Those who act as extraordinary ministers are trained in the manner their bishops ordain. Here is an example of how it is done; it isn’t just grabbing someone by the hem and putting them in this position with no training.
https://archdpdx.org/documents/2018/6/ALH First Edition - 3 June 2018-1.pdf
The entire handbook is quite worth reading, but I refer to page 14ff:
"1.21.10 Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual,
theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and
reverence. (USCCB, Norms on the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion.
Under Both Kinds, 2001: 28)
1.21.11 To serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion in the Archdiocese of Portland
in Oregon, persons must:
a. Be practicing Catholics, distinguished in their Christian life, faith and
morals.
b. Be at least 16 years old.
c. Have received the sacraments of Baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist.
d. Demonstrate a deep reverence for and devotion to the Eucharist.
e. Possess the requisite abilities and temperament to carry out their assigned
duties…"