Pope Francis: The Renewal of the Catholic Church

Over the years, the Catholic Church has faced many complications. When Pope Benedict XVI decided to step down from the Papacy February 2013, these issues were left to the next leader, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The Conclave chose Jorge Bergoglio as the new pope last March 2013, and with this selection came many firsts and changes for the Church. From the very start, with his modest choice of the name Francis, the new Pope showed his high concern for the poor and his difference in character from previous popes. Now, over a year later, Pope Francis is renewing the Catholic Church through his changes in the traditional Papal lifestyle, his open-minded approach, and his missions to improve society around the world.

The reason for Pope Francis’ differences and reformations is largely due to influences from his past experiences. Pope Francis is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, making him the first Latin American Pope (Moynihan, 142). Although His Holiness’ family was not poor, young Jorge Bergoglio lived near a slum, so poverty was no stranger to him. Pope Francis’ witness of extreme poverty in his homeland continues to be inspiration for his mission to eliminate it. Pope Francis’ background as a Jesuit, also

DeLuca 2 another first for the Papacy, has influenced his behavior and goals (“Pope Francis, Christian Mission, And The Church Of Saint Francis”). Being the first Jesuit pope accounts for some of the Holy Father’s differences from past popes. For example, Jesuits are required to do “examinations of the conscience” daily as part of their following of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Moynihan, 145). These reflections can help cause a sense of humility in admitting mistakes and shortcomings. This spiritual practice has no doubt affected...

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...radition by choosing not to wear the typical Papal attire. Instead, Pope Francis changed the image of the Pope for a more modest appearance. For example, he rejected the traditional cape, shoes, and cross for simpler attire. The normal Papal shoes and cape are bright red, and Pope Francis chose to keep wearing his normal black shoes and to forego the cape. The Holy Father also wears a simple iron cross in favor of the customary golden Papal cross (Flamini, 25). Pope Francis also changed his living arrangements because he felt the Vatican was too extravagant. He is the first pope to live outside the “papal palace” (Flamini, 26). Currently, he lives in a boarding house outside the Vatican called the Casa Santa Marta ( Flamini, 26). These seemingly small changes influence the public’s perception of the Pope and gives insight into his humble, modest outlook of himself.