It is that time of the year again.
On Wednesday the 10th of December, TIME magazine honored Pope Francis I with its much coveted “Person of the Year” award, dubbing him the “Pope of the People.”
This tribute is one of the most sought-after international recognitions. It is assigned accordingly to the person or the idea who, “for better or for worse, has done the most to influence events of the year.” For instance, during the year of the Arab Spring, the award was given to “The Protester,” a homage to all those who had participated in demanding change during that intense year.
Other candidates such as NSA leaker Edward Snowden, Syrian President Bashar al Assad, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, and U.S. President Barack Obama lost the race against Pope Francis, who is the third Pope ever to win the award.
Despite what many may think, it is not unusual for a religious leader to win an award of this caliber--the Holy See and its Popes have always held an extremely influential role in international politics, often serving as mediators and defenders of “righteous” cause. Pope Francis I, who succeeded German-born Pope Benedict XVI after the first ever papal resignation, has caused quite a commotion this year. Not only is he the first non-European Pope in history, but he is also a Jesuit.
The Pope has, unlike his predecessor who struggled to achieve international popularity, won over many people around the world at different levels and from different countries. By criticizing the Church’s old ways in dealing with topics such as abortion and homosexuality, Pope Francis I has captured the hearts of the younger generation.
By giving (limited) access to the financial books of the Vatican Bank to fight against money laundering, he has gained the approval of the Council of Europe. And by establishing the creation of a committee, a “crusade”, to investigate and deal with the pressing issue of pedophilia among the clergy, he has won over everyone else.
What has been even more astonishing has been the speed at which he has achieved this admirable consensus--and it is not just because he has a Twitter account. With his more modern and pragmatic ways, Pope Francis I is bringing the Catholic Church to a new era.
Photo: Christus Vincit
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Photo Friday: Pope Francis I Wins Over TIME Magazine
December 13, 2013
It is that time of the year again.
On Wednesday the 10th of December, TIME magazine honored Pope Francis I with its much coveted “Person of the Year” award, dubbing him the “Pope of the People.”
This tribute is one of the most sought-after international recognitions. It is assigned accordingly to the person or the idea who, “for better or for worse, has done the most to influence events of the year.” For instance, during the year of the Arab Spring, the award was given to “The Protester,” a homage to all those who had participated in demanding change during that intense year.
Other candidates such as NSA leaker Edward Snowden, Syrian President Bashar al Assad, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, and U.S. President Barack Obama lost the race against Pope Francis, who is the third Pope ever to win the award.
Despite what many may think, it is not unusual for a religious leader to win an award of this caliber--the Holy See and its Popes have always held an extremely influential role in international politics, often serving as mediators and defenders of “righteous” cause. Pope Francis I, who succeeded German-born Pope Benedict XVI after the first ever papal resignation, has caused quite a commotion this year. Not only is he the first non-European Pope in history, but he is also a Jesuit.
The Pope has, unlike his predecessor who struggled to achieve international popularity, won over many people around the world at different levels and from different countries. By criticizing the Church’s old ways in dealing with topics such as abortion and homosexuality, Pope Francis I has captured the hearts of the younger generation.
By giving (limited) access to the financial books of the Vatican Bank to fight against money laundering, he has gained the approval of the Council of Europe. And by establishing the creation of a committee, a “crusade”, to investigate and deal with the pressing issue of pedophilia among the clergy, he has won over everyone else.
What has been even more astonishing has been the speed at which he has achieved this admirable consensus--and it is not just because he has a Twitter account. With his more modern and pragmatic ways, Pope Francis I is bringing the Catholic Church to a new era.
Photo: Christus Vincit
