Once known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, Pope Francis has become a global figure of admiration. Today, about 60% of people around the world hold a favorable view of him, and among Catholics, that number skyrockets to 90%, with 60% expressing a “very favorable” opinion. The only group that seems to be on the fence are those in the Middle East, where opinions are evenly split at 25% each for favorable and unfavorable ratings, as reported by The Washington Post.
According to Marco Politi, an Italian Vatican analyst, “Francis has changed the image of the papacy forever. There’s no going back to a rigid, monarch-style pope.” Let’s dive into five key factors that contribute to his widespread popularity.
He Chooses Meaningful Symbols
First up, let’s talk about the name he chose for his papacy: Francis. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, this choice reflects his commitment to the poor. St. Francis was a 12th-century figure known for his dedication to a life of simplicity and compassion for all beings, including animals and the environment. Upon becoming pope, he made it clear that his mission would focus on those less fortunate.
In a striking display of humility, Pope Francis has opted out of the usual papal luxuries. He resides in a modest apartment rather than the opulent papal palace and drives a five-year-old Ford Focus, which is likely not as fancy as your own car—a powerful message of relatability.
He Exudes Humility
Pope Francis has taken his humility a step further with small yet impactful gestures. After his election, he personally settled his hotel bill instead of having someone do it for him. He even took the time to call a newsstand in Buenos Aires to cancel his subscription. And who else do you know that carries their own briefcase?
His humility shines through in more significant moments, too. For example, during Holy Thursday services, he chose to wash the feet of inmates at a youth prison—a gesture of solidarity that included a Muslim woman. Interestingly, research shows that humility in leaders is often appreciated, although it can sometimes backfire for young or female leaders, which makes Francis’s success all the more remarkable.
He Welcomes New Ideas
Let’s be real: Pope Francis isn’t likely to endorse gay marriage or female priests anytime soon. However, he’s definitely nudging the Catholic Church toward reform. He advocates for welcoming divorced and remarried Catholics into active parish life and has called out priests who refuse to baptize children of single mothers as “hypocrites.”
Furthermore, he has encouraged bishops to connect more deeply with the faithful rather than adopting a “prince” mentality, even skipping a lavish concert in his honor to emphasize this point.
He Connects with People
While it’s impossible for any leader to be constantly available, Pope Francis has made headlines for his personal outreach. He often surprises ordinary individuals with phone calls, offering prayers and well-wishes. From comforting a grieving family to leaving playful messages for nuns, these personal touches resonate with many.
He Speaks Candidly
In a surprising move just before Christmas, the Pope gathered the top cardinals and bishops for a frank discussion. Instead of the usual motivational speech, he delivered a sharp critique of Vatican bureaucracy, listing 15 “diseases” in their approach—ranging from self-importance to a lack of compassion. This honesty struck a chord with people worldwide, many of whom found themselves nodding in agreement.
In summary, Pope Francis has captured hearts globally not just for his position but for his humility, approachability, and commitment to reform. His relatable actions and genuine outreach continue to set him apart as a beloved figure.
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