By: Reid Okoniewski
Staff Writer
Pope Francis is making his first appearance in the United States for the first time since his election in 2013. Both Catholics and non-Catholics from the U.S. have patiently waited to hear when the “people’s pope” will make an appearance, and finally they have it.
Although Pope Francis’ time in the states will be short, many people are trying to enjoy it while it lasts. Within the next few days, Pope Francis will be in three cities, parading through the streets in his infamous “Popemobile,” meeting with dignitaries at the White House and the United Nations Headquarters.
Pope Francis is called the people’s pope for a reason; he’s much different from his predecessors (Benedict the 16th and John Paul II).
From the time the College of Cardinals first selected him over two years ago, reports surfaced that he would sneak out of the Vatican palace to donate the riches he has to the poor and homeless. He prefers a modest apartment to the Papal Palace in the Vatican, where popes have lived for hundreds of years.
During his scheduled parades wherever he is, Francis will purposely stop to embrace the disabled, youth, elderly and faithful alike.
Francis’ predecessor, Benedict the 16th, became known as the “prada pope” because of his love of the custom-made red slippers. Francis wears regular black dress shoes.
Pope Francis is a simple and humble individual. He chose the name of Francis as pope to demonstrate the simple life that St. Francis of Assisi had.
Pope Francis wears a gold-plated silver papal ring. Popes before him wore solid gold. Francis also bears a cross around his neck that is made of iron, not gold. The pope refuses to wear the traditional ermine-lined papal robes.
For Francis, changing from the ‘normal’ vehicle, which was a Mercedes limousine, to a more modest set of wheels, called the “Popemobile,” helped illustrate his humbleness. When he’s at the Vatican, he rides in a 1984 Renault hatchback.
Most youth and young adults of the Church love him. The most common words that are associated with him are “cute,” “adorable” and “amazing.” Pope Francis connects with young adults from all around the world from his iPad. Francis tweets regularly to faithful from all over from his account @pontifex.
Personally, I love the guy. I like to think of him as the reincarnation of Pope John Paul II, who was also involved within the youth of the Church. The way Francis connects with the future of the Catholic Church, the homeless and the way he speaks his mind inspires many. That is what he hopes to accomplish during his time here in the United States.
okoniert14@bonaventure.edu
