The Christ-Like Pope, One Year Later

He Demonstrates Love for Others

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” –Matthew 22:39

First and foremost, Pope Francis models Christ by showing care and concern for others. He has washed the feet of inmates, embraced a man disfigured by tumors, and offered to personally baptize the baby of a woman who successfully fought intense pressure to have an abortion. He has also reached out to atheists and refuses to judge homosexuals.

In an interview with Jesuit journalists, the pope issued a challenge: "Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person? We must always consider the person.” Like Christ, Pope Francis goes out among the people, meeting them where they are, and calls them to holiness.

He Inspires Young People

“Let the children come to me and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14

The 2013 World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro boasted huge attendance numbers. In fact, the closing mass was attended by over 3 million, one of the largest peaceful gatherings in history. During the event, the pope captivated the young people with his energy and enthusiasm. He ended the event by saying, “I will always place my hopes… in the young around the world: through them, Christ is preparing a new springtime all over the earth.” Pope Francis also shows great concern for the safety of Catholic children. He set up a commission to thoroughly investigate sexual abuse cases and to care for the victims of those crimes. In an interview with the Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, the pontiff declared, "The Catholic Church is perhaps the only public institution to have acted with transparency and responsibility. No one else has done more. Yet the Church is the only one to have been attacked."

He is Concerned about the Poor and Marginalized

“When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you.” –Luke 14:13-14

In imitation of Christ, St. Francis is very concerned for the poor and those who cannot care for themselves. He continually speaks out against materialism and urges Catholics to help the poor. His words have been proven effective, particularly in the United States. A survey done by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops shows that one in four Catholics have increased their donations to charity since Pope Francis took office, and 77% credit the pontiff’s influence for their generosity. Not only does the pope encourage others to help the poor, he too lives a simple life. He dresses simply, lives in a modest home, takes the bus or drives his used car.

He Prays Constantly

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” - Mark 1:35

It is fitting that Pope Francis marked his one year anniversary as pope by spending a week in prayer at a retreat away from the crowds. He encourages a type of prayer he calls “courageous,” which he explained during a homily at Santa Marta on October 10, 2013:

“How do we pray? Do we pray piously and calmly out of habit or do we place ourselves courageously before the Lord to ask for grace, to ask for what we are praying for? Prayer that is not courageous is not real prayer. … Jesus tells us: 'What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give.'”