By Ainish Philip
Looking back, perhaps one of the epic moments of 2013 was when the Catholic Church elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, as the new Pope. What was totally enchanting was when the new Pope bowed down his head in humility and said to the crowd, “Pray for me.”
He’s become the role model of millions today; he’s won the hearts of men, women, youth and children alike, he’s made a radical change through his small acts of love, he’s truly Christ in action in a Christ-less world.
What’s so special about Pope Francis?
The best thing about him is his electric smile which radiates divine grace. He seems to be this loving, caring father figure ready to love and listen.
He chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. Apparently, his friend, Cardinal Hummes, told him before the Papal vote was final -"Don't forget the poor". Pope Francis chose the name so he would never forget that he was here to serve the poor, and to embrace the lepers of our world.
It is not every day you see a highly prestigious man kneeling down and kissing the feet of AIDS victims. That is exactly what St. Francis of Assisi did- embrace the poor, the abandoned, and the lepers who no one would touch.
When a child climbs up onto the stage with curious eyes to be near him, Pope Francis smiles, pats the head of the child and goes on with his sermon. Talk about walking the talk!
Perhaps this is one of the unforgettable images-touching, kissing, and blessing a disfigured man. But this is exactly what Jesus did; He not only healed the lepers, He touched their lives!
Pope Francis works hard at living a modest life and staying humble. Our Pope not only makes his own meals, but humbly wears a plain, white robe, and has asked the other people in leadership at Vatican to tone it down as well.
When he found out that people were putting up a statue of him outside a Cathedral in Buenos Aires, he asked them to take it down.
He is the first Pope to wash the feet of a woman. And that too not just any woman’s feet, but a Muslim woman’s feet who was an inmate at a nearby prison.
I could go on with many, but here’s a lovely YouTube video on the Pope I want to share with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rHL4P1_GFM
Thank u dear Pope, for living the life of Christ and being a Role Model for many of us!
Stay in peace. Stay with Jesus.
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