My guess is that the pope is sitting and the couple are kneeling in front of him. That's why the perspective is off. Also, my parents attended a blessing by the pope, and got close enough to touch him. They were mere tourists and were not vetted at all except by security at the gate (like going to the airport). They just made a reservation and showed up. I'm sure these freaks asked for and were granted an individual blessing at a gathering similar to what my parents went to.