Japan archbishop says Pope Francis will 'lead by example

March 22, 2013 - Pope Francis will bring change to the Vatican by the example he sets more than the orders he gives, even if he meets resistance and makes some people there unhappy, according to Japan's top cleric. Archbishop Leo Jun Ikenaga of Osaka, who was in Rome to attend the new pope's installation Mass on Tuesday told Ucanews he was struck by the pontiff's commitment to bring the poor, the marginalized, the weak and the protection of the environment to the forefront of the Church's mission. “He is a pope of the people, among the people. He wants to give preference to those who are at the margins.” Archbishop Ikenaga, the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan said he hopes that Pope Francis' example – more than his government acts – will effect change inside the Vatican to inspire others to give up centuries-old privileges and luxuries. “This pope lives a very poor life. He doesn't spend money on things like elaborate liturgical dresses or his ring. Everything is sober,” noted the archbishop who is a Jesuit like Pope Francis. The prelate admitted that he is “worried” that some in the Vatican will be irked by this change in life style, but said, “his example and his coherence will win them over.” (Source: Ucanews)