September 13, 2013 - The first 6 months of Pope Francis, who was elected on March
13, can be characterized by the Argentine Pontiff walking the path of his namesake,
broadening the Church’s horizons and giving it a fresh missionary impetus. In an
interview to Vatican Radio on Friday, Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico pointed to three
salient features of the Pope as he completed 6 months of his pontificate on Friday.
Fr. Lombardi noted that that Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Bergolio who chose the name Francis
after Italy’s popular patron saint from Assisi, has been true to his namesake in showing
his concern for the poor, for peace and safeguarding of creation. In the past weeks
he has been particularly courageous in lobbying for peace in the Middle East, Fr.
Lombardi said. The second salient feature, the Jesuit priest noted, was that of broadening
horizons of the Church, with his pastoral style, his first-hand contact with the people
and his simple down-to earth language, with a particular preference for the poor.
According to the Vatican spokesman, the third important feature of Pope Francis’ half-year
pontificate is a fresh missionary impulse. He said the 76-year Pope often speaks
out against a Church that is closed in, urging it to go beyond itself to the world.