It’s pretty much an inarguable fact: Pope Francis is the most popular Pope in many years.
We’ve already shared a video delving into the background of this pontiff, in honor of his historic trip to the United States, but now it’s time to take an even deeper dive.
Here’s a rundown of reasons why Pope Francis is, quite simply, The Man:
He Ditched the Pope Mobile
After John Paul II got shot, the Vatican constructed a bullet-proof vehicle meant to protect the pontiff. But Francis considers himself a man of the people and is driven around in an ordinary car.
This Photo
A picture of Francis embracing Vinicia Riva, a man covered in boils, went viral for all the right reasons. It hopefully inspired millions of people to accept all people at all times.
Who is He to Judge the Gay Lifestyle?
Well, he’s the Pope. That’s kind of what he’s supposed to do. But millions of people out there applauded his stance on homosexuality.
He Kissed the Feet of Prisoners
Francis spent Holy Week at Casal del Marmo jail for minors. To commemorate the passion and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, he kissed the feet of 12 young inmates.
He Has Respect for All Cultures
The Pope visited Brazil and took park in an Amazon Rainforest ceremony, showing his respect for all cultures.
He Comforted a Rape Victim
Pope Francis actually called a rape victim after she wrote him a letter about her horrible experience. The woman said Francis comforted her in a spiritual manner.
He Feeds the Homeless… Personally
The Pope (at least) once disguised himself (in order walk around without security) to go out on the street and feed those in poverty living around the Vatican.
He Sold His Motorcycle…
… in order to fund a hostel and a soup kitchen. And the motorcycle was a Harley Davidson!
He’s Down with Atheists
The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! Even the Atheists,” Francis once said.
He’s NOT Down with Wall Street
“Money has to serve, not to rule,” Francis has said, making his opinion on the global financial system well known.
He Has No Patience for Abuse
Sadly, the Catholic Church has been in the news for far too many child abuse allegations. Francis has been an outspoken critic, ordering the Church to create a Vatican law against sexual abuse of children and to establish a committee to get rid of these abuses.
He Intervened in the Syrian Civil War
He’s against all war, really, saying “war, never again. Violence never leads to peace, war leads to ear, violence leads to violence.”
He Donated the Bonuses of Vatican Employees to Charity
We’re sure the employees both understood and gave the Pope an ovation for his decision.
He Believes in Climate Change
During his visit to the U.S., Francis addresses Barack Obama and acknowledged that climate change is a real issue: “Mr. President,” he said, “I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution… To use a telling phrase of the Rev. Martin Luther King, we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note, and now is the time to honor it.”
He Wants People to Focus
In 2013, he told Catholics to stop focusing so much on abortion, gay marriage and contraception in order to focus on more important global issues.
He Takes Selfies!
Few other Popes have really had the opportunity to do so, but still. Pretty awesome.
This Photo, Too
Hugs all around!
He Fired the “Bishop of Bling”
Francis suspended (and then demoted) German Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst after he allegedly spent $42 million on a house renovation. He may even turn this overly lavish residence into a soup kitchen.
He Has a Silly Side
Now he just needs to take a selfie with these newlyweds.