It is what it says on the box
Westminster Youth Ministry
Page 5
Page 15 April 2013
“Christ is the centre” Pope Francis
"Habemus Papam!" Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires took the name Francis on his election as the 266th Pope and Successor to St Peter on 13 March. In his homily at the Mass of Thanksgiving the next day, The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster said: “Once Pope Francis had appeared upon the balcony with that lovely smile, his simplicity and humility evident, the initial surprise soon gave way to the certainty that this is an inspired and inspiring choice. Yes, this is the work of the Holy Spirit.”
“Don’t forget the poor” Until now the new Pope has been living in a small flat, having given up the formal bishop’s residence, and travelling on public transport. What is most noticeable is his relaxed and jovial manner in which he communicates and engages with Cardinals, Heads of State, and the crowds that throng inside St Peter’s Square. One of his first audiences was with more than 5000 journalists in the Paul VI Hall where he explained how he felt inspired to take the name Francis following words of encouragement from his friend, Cardinal Claudio Hummes of San Paolo: “Don’t forget the poor”. “And that struck me ...The poor,” he said, “Immediately I thought of St Francis of Assisi. Francis was a man of peace, a man of poverty, a man who loved and protected Creation.” Like Pope Benedict XVI before him, Francis places Christ at the very heart of his ministry: “Christ is the centre... he said, “Christ is the reference point at the heart of the Church, without Him, Peter and the Church would not exist.”
Pope Francis talking to the more than 5,000 journalists after his election, receiving them in audience in the Paul VI Hall