Since assuming his post in 2013, Pope Francis has been able to capture public attention and generate excitement in a way his predecessor Benedict XVI never did. Here's a look at some of the reasons the pope has attracted mass appeal.
History Maker
Francis made history the day he assumed office on March 13, 2013, as the first pope from the new world, the first from Latin America, the first Jesuit and the first of his name. His insistence on breaking with tradition has earned him a reputation as the "pope of firsts." For instance, he refused to stand on a platform elevating him above the cardinals during his introduction. And as the introduction went on, instead of blessing the crowd in St. Peter's Square, as is customary, Francis asked them to pray for him.
A Man of the People
Francis has been outspoken on the need for the church to help and connect with the least fortunate. In November of last year, it was reported that the pope planned to build showers for the homeless in the historic St. Peter's Square. Later that year, it was reported that Francis planned to open a 30-bed homeless shelter on the edge of Vatican City. He also eschews the jeweled miter and ornate garments Benedict favored, opting instead for simpler vestments. And Francis foregoes the well-appointed papal apartments, instead living out of the more modest papal guesthouse. He has even washed the feet of inmates, and in 2001, he washed and kissed the feet of AIDS patients.
Environmentalist
Francis is not the first pope to champion the environment. But no pontiff has gotten into the nitty-gritty of climate change as Francis has. In June, the Vatican released "Laudato Si," an encyclical in which Francis argued global warming is human-driven, spurring conservative pundits to criticize the pope for involving the church in what they called a strictly political matter. Even Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush felt the need to respond, telling reporters, "I don't get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinals or my pope."
Reformer
Since assuming the papacy in 2013, Francis has become known as a reformer for his efforts to salvage the reputation of a church rocked by several decades of scandal. He established a tribunal to hear cases of bishops who allegedly covered up sexual abuse by priests, a long overdue but welcome move for many Catholics. He's also shaken up the Vatican bureaucracy and publicly criticized members of the Curia, or papal court. At last year's Christmas greeting, Francis castigated the most senior members of the church for 15 "diseases" afflicting the church's leadership, including "existential schizophrenia" and "spiritual Alzheimer's."
Maverick
Francis's unannounced outings have become one of his hallmarks, so much so that Kenneth Hackett, the United States ambassador to the Holy See, has remarked that Francis's spontaneity makes his security a challenge. In September, he popped into a local eyeglasses shop to have his spectacles examined. And in July 2014, he surprised Vatican workers when, unannounced, he joined them for lunch at their cafeteria. The pope reportedly dined on "a plate of cod, a bowl of fusilli pasta without sauce, a side of grilled tomatoes and 'just a few' french fries," the Associated Press reported. He didn't pay, but he did tip and take photos with the workers. There are even rumors that Francis sneaks out of the Vatican at night disguised as a regular priest to minister to the homeless. The Vatican, of course, has no comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
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About the writer
Taylor is a general assignment reporter for Newsweek where he writes about U.S. politics, crime and courts, religion, marijuana law, ... Read more
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