Down-to-earth Pope Francis I

15 March, 2013

Pope Francis I not only discarded the throne-like chair after wearing his white papal subsequent to his election last Wednesday night but also shunned the papal limousine to travel for a collective meal. He not only chose to greet the cardinals from a chair at their own level but also rode on the last shuttle bus with them for a meal inside the Vatican City. These acts of the new Pope showed his humble down-to-earth side.

The cardinals who had reached the Apostolic Palace for the meal in the earlier buses were surprised to find the new pope getting down from the last bus as they were expecting him to arrive in the limousine. Even at the meal he toasted cardinals saying 'May God forgive you' (for electing him) to create lighter moments during the meal.

With his election on 13 March, following the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on 28 February, Pope Francis I, becomes the 266th of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cardinal Bergoglio as new pope chose the papal name Francisco in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi to become the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas. It may also be noted that Francis Xavier was the co-founder of the Society of Jesus. Today, Pope Francis I, who is also known for his austere and healthy lifestyle, will be visiting Pope Emeritus Benedict and a Rome basilica.