When the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, stepped out from behind the curtain and onto the balcony of the papal apartment March 13, 2013, as Pope Francis, he waved to the cheering crowd and flashed a smile that said, “I got this.”
Pope Francis has an aura of humble arrogance, in the sense he says what he means and means what he says. Like St. Francis, he preaches the Gospel at all times and only uses words when necessary.
His no-hesitation embrace of a man covered in boils, nonchalant response when a young boy wandered up to the altar to hang out, and his willingness to try on nearly anything given to him, including an Indian headdress, is a very “go with the flow, man” modern approach, rarely seen among popes.
The Millennial generation is a different generation.
Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Nov. 20. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Today’s generation believes it can make an impact on the world without money and fame. Online, the famous and non-famous alike speak at the same volume.
Using social media like Twitter and Facebook, Pope Francis has reached broader audiences faster and, in the click of a retweet by his followers, spread his message further.
Like many global leaders he’s inserted himself in conversations about numerous issues and his success has gotten the attention of the world and young people with every homily he makes.
The church has a strong pro-life stance, a movement that has become increasingly popular with the young adult generation, and Pope Francis has continued that fight.
His statements on today’s golden calf truly show where his heart is.
In his apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium,” (The Joy of the Gospel), published in November, he repeated the church’s stance against trickle-down economics, saying he believes it “has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.”
It’s no secret our society idolizes money and like many campaigns aimed to stop bullying, Pope Francis seems to be dedicated to defending the poor against selfish business practices.
There may come a time when the honeymoon Pope Francis and the world are enjoying will end, but it’s difficult to say when that will be. With each statement and gesture, Pope Francis continues to proclaim the Gospel with his words and actions as an example to the world about how far good will can go when you’re unafraid.
