A Person Who Has Made a Difference: Pope Francis

Pope Francis has been known as a person who has changed the face of the Catholic Church in many ways. He is always willing to come close to and talk with people in public places. He often uses media and encourages believers, especially young people, to use it as a tool of proclaiming good news to the world. Traditionally, when the popes appeared before the crowd, they used to follow the guidance of organizers or bodyguards. Pope Francis, however, usually “breaks” the rules to help people in need. For example, on the way to meet with the youth in Krakow, Poland, in 2016, he asked the driver to stop the car. He then got out of the car walked to the elderly people, patients, and children, who were quietly staying in the invisible corners. He shaked hands, embraced, and blessed them. Most people who witnessed this significant situation felt really impressed and touched. That is why they call Pope Francis “the people’s pope.” 

In addition, other popes very conservative in using media, especially internet, which was considered as a negative tool that people are using to show some unhelpful or unhealthful thoughts. In contrast, Pope Francis virtually has a positive opinion on internet. He believes that internet is a very important tool should be used to share our faith. As a result, he occasionally uses facebook, twitter, youtube, and other programs to talk and to pray wiht people. For instance, Pope Francis recently appeared on TED Talk to talk about a topic “The future You.” He also showed a livestream on internet when he talked with the astronauts about “Man’s Place in the Universe”. These programs have gained millions views. 

Moreover, in 2016, Poland, in the talk with youth for over the world, he directly invited them: “Leave your comfortable room, to be with the people, by using high technology to share good news.” In fact, today most of young people are willing to hang out several hours a day with their friends online. Following the invitation of Pope Francis, many youth are using the internet to share their faith with the faith-seekers and nonbelievers. 

These eventually are some different ways that we can change the face of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis is the person who has been leading the way.