Pope Francis started his reign differently on March 13, 2013, picking a name that honored Saint Francis, who helped poor people. He greeted crowds with simple words: "Brothers and sisters, good evening." He wore just a white cassock instead of fancy clothes, which showed he wanted to be close to regular Catholics. He asked people to bless him before he blessed them.
Francis often taught through actions rather than words. Early in his leadership, he hugged a man with severe body deformities. He visited migrants at Lampedusa island between Tunisia and Malta. He always met with poor communities during his travels. He spent time with fellow Jesuits wherever he went. His teachings felt more personal than those of previous popes.
Some critics claimed he confused people, but most understood he wanted less focus on sexual sins. Conservative leaders like Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley supported him despite opposition. Francis connected well with children during his time as pope. He once comforted a crying boy who worried about his atheist father going to heaven. Catholics felt deep affection for Francis beyond just respect.
Francis often taught through actions rather than words. Early in his leadership, he hugged a man with severe body deformities. He visited migrants at Lampedusa island between Tunisia and Malta. He always met with poor communities during his travels. He spent time with fellow Jesuits wherever he went. His teachings felt more personal than those of previous popes.
Some critics claimed he confused people, but most understood he wanted less focus on sexual sins. Conservative leaders like Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley supported him despite opposition. Francis connected well with children during his time as pope. He once comforted a crying boy who worried about his atheist father going to heaven. Catholics felt deep affection for Francis beyond just respect.
