Pope Francis
Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:13 pmOddly enough, this is a person I can genuinely admire. What do you guys think?
From Wikipedia:
Throughout his life, both as an individual and a religious leader, Bergoglio has been noted for his humility, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to dialogue as a way to build bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths.[4][5][6] Since his election to the papacy, he has displayed a simpler and less formal approach to the office, choosing to reside in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal residence.
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Shortly after his election, the pope called for more interreligious dialogue as a way of "building bridges" and establishing “true links of friendship between all people".[112] He added that it was crucial “to intensify outreach to nonbelievers, so that the differences which divide and hurt us may never prevail".[112] He said that his title of "pontiff" means "builder of bridges", and that it was his wish that "the dialogue between us should help to build bridges connecting all people, in such a way that everyone can see in the other not an enemy, not a rival, but a brother or sister to be welcomed and embraced."[112]
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Some atheists expressed hope that Francis would prove to be progressive on issues like poverty and social inequality,[136] while others were more skeptical that he would be "interested in a partnership of equals".[137] Francis believes atheists who do good are good people and, in May 2013, said that all who do good can be redeemed through Jesus, including atheists. Francis stated that God “has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! (…) Even the atheists,” Everyone!” [138] Later Thomas Rosica stated non-Catholics who ”know” the Roman Catholic Church can only get to Heaven by converting to Catholicism. Outspoken atheist, Richard Dawkins commented “Atheists go to heaven? Nope. Sorry world, infallible pope got it wrong. Vatican steps in with alacrity.” Author, Neale Donald Walsch stated, “it was regrettable that the hidden hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church chose to officially retract the recent statement on eternal damnation bravely made by its new leader, P
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As pope his manner is less formal than that of his predecessors: a style that news coverage has referred to as "no frills," noting that it is "his common touch and accessibility that is proving the greatest inspiration."[146] For example, on the night of his election he took the bus back to his hotel with the cardinals, rather than be driven in the papal car.[147] The next day he visited Cardinal Jorge María Mejía in the hospital and chatted with patients and staff.[148] At his first media audience, the Friday after his election, the Pope said of Saint Francis of Assisi: "The man who gives us this spirit of peace, the poor man," and he added "How I would like a poor Church, and for the poor".[149]
From Wikipedia:
Throughout his life, both as an individual and a religious leader, Bergoglio has been noted for his humility, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to dialogue as a way to build bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths.[4][5][6] Since his election to the papacy, he has displayed a simpler and less formal approach to the office, choosing to reside in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the papal residence.
...
Shortly after his election, the pope called for more interreligious dialogue as a way of "building bridges" and establishing “true links of friendship between all people".[112] He added that it was crucial “to intensify outreach to nonbelievers, so that the differences which divide and hurt us may never prevail".[112] He said that his title of "pontiff" means "builder of bridges", and that it was his wish that "the dialogue between us should help to build bridges connecting all people, in such a way that everyone can see in the other not an enemy, not a rival, but a brother or sister to be welcomed and embraced."[112]
...
Some atheists expressed hope that Francis would prove to be progressive on issues like poverty and social inequality,[136] while others were more skeptical that he would be "interested in a partnership of equals".[137] Francis believes atheists who do good are good people and, in May 2013, said that all who do good can be redeemed through Jesus, including atheists. Francis stated that God “has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! (…) Even the atheists,” Everyone!” [138] Later Thomas Rosica stated non-Catholics who ”know” the Roman Catholic Church can only get to Heaven by converting to Catholicism. Outspoken atheist, Richard Dawkins commented “Atheists go to heaven? Nope. Sorry world, infallible pope got it wrong. Vatican steps in with alacrity.” Author, Neale Donald Walsch stated, “it was regrettable that the hidden hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church chose to officially retract the recent statement on eternal damnation bravely made by its new leader, P
...
As pope his manner is less formal than that of his predecessors: a style that news coverage has referred to as "no frills," noting that it is "his common touch and accessibility that is proving the greatest inspiration."[146] For example, on the night of his election he took the bus back to his hotel with the cardinals, rather than be driven in the papal car.[147] The next day he visited Cardinal Jorge María Mejía in the hospital and chatted with patients and staff.[148] At his first media audience, the Friday after his election, the Pope said of Saint Francis of Assisi: "The man who gives us this spirit of peace, the poor man," and he added "How I would like a poor Church, and for the poor".[149]