He has criticized the “cult of money” and greed he sees driving the world financial system, reflecting his affinity for liberation theology. He has left Vatican officials struggling to keep up with his off-the-cuff remarks and impromptu forays into the crowds of tens of thousands that fill St. Peter’s Square during his audiences. He has delighted souvenir vendors near the Vatican by increasing tourist traffic.
Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, has been in office for only two months, but already he has changed the tone of the papacy, lifting morale and bringing a new sense of enthusiasm to the Roman Catholic Church and to the Vatican itself, Vatican officials and the faithful say.
“It’s very positive. There’s a change of air, a sense of energy,” said one Vatican official, speaking with traditional anonymity. “Some people would use the term honeymoon, but there’s no indication that it will let up.”
It’s false to contrast Benedict and Francis, in terms of dogma or theology. Francis rejected liberation theology while superior of the Jesuits. In fact, he has been accused of collaborating with the fascist government, although he didn’t.
Francis is doing an excellent, brave, much-needed and long over-due job with the Roman church and its bureaucracy. But so many “industries” and livelihoods are run on the corruption and averting of eyes that one must worry about his safety. And pray for him, whether one is Roman or not. Francis strikes me as the type to appreciate all prayers.