There’s no denying that our beloved Pope Francis is admired by many around the world. Some even call him the “rock star of the Catholic Church!” Yes, Pope Francis is amazing, and—news flash—you can be, too! We list five amazing characteristics of the Pope that you can follow.
Also Read: Tips for Meeting the Pope
He does not judge
Pope Francis is the first to show us that we should become beacons of hope and understanding instead of passing judgment. An unmarried pregnant woman who was being pressured to have an abortion once sought the Pope’s counsel. The Pope said “A child is a gift from God, a sign of Divine Providence,” Addressing her fears about the biological father not acknowledging the child, the Pope said, “I’m convinced that you won’t have any problem finding a spiritual father, and anyway, if that’s not the case, know that I am always here.”
He has an open heart
The Pope receives anyone with open arms—even if you come to him with boils. He even stands up for outsiders and bravely joins them. “Be humble,” Pope Francis advises, “and pray that the Lord always gives us the freedom of an open heart…”
He champions the environment
Pope Francis aligns faith and science with his encyclical, “Laudato Si.” Also known as “On Care for Our Common Home,” it calls for urgent action on climate change. The melting icecaps may seem far away, but running out of drinking water is a very real possibility. The pope minced no words when he said, “God always forgives, we men forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives. If you give her a slap, she will give you one. I believe that we have exploited nature too much.”
He admits his mistakes
Pope Francis has admitted to having committed “hundreds of errors” as the head of Jesuits in Argentina—showing us that it takes an even greater man to admit his mistakes. During a Mass at Casa Santa Marta, the Pope said, “sometimes we think that humility is to go quietly, perhaps head down looking at the floor… This is not humility. This is that fake, ready-to-wear humility, which neither saves nor guards the heart.”
He takes the high road
With all the issues swirling around the Vatican and all sorts of accusations hurled at him, Pope Francis chooses to keep quiet and lets the truth and integrity of his decisions speak for themselves. Let this be a shining example for when you find yourself in the center of controversy: stay away from the drama and negativity and focus on the positive things. The truth will always set you free.
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