Pope Francis completes One Year of his Pontificate

Rome, 13 March 2014: On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Pontificate of Pope Francis, Father Antonio Spadaro, the editor of the Italian Jesuit magazine "Civilta Catholica’ shared his impression with Vatican Radio.

Has Pope redesigned the Church of the third millennium, Father Sapadaro said that Pope Francis has a missionary vision of the Church, and is working to a transformation of the Church. This means that the Church, as he sees it, is absolutely reverted to the world, open to the world. The Pope wants the gospel to be preached to all, to anyone, in every situation of life. Thus, the language of Pope Francis is a natural and ordinary language. Its goal is to reach everyone.

When asked as to what are the new areas we can see change in the coming months, Fr Spadaro said that he does not know, adding that the Pope has no abstract ideas to apply to reality. In fact, he said, the Pope proceeds step by step, making discernment on the history, accompanying the processes at work in the Church, in relation to the life of the world. This means that the most important thing for him is to follow what is happening and to consider the process of reform as a reform from within.

When asked about the impact of St. Ignatius and St. Francis in the pontificate of Pope Francis, Fr Spadaro said that the Pope was formed radically in Ignatian spirituality from a young age. His way of acting, seeing, and considering the reality is absolutely tied to this spirituality. Its' an evangelical spirituality, pointing to the very presence of the Lord in the world, and we have to acknowledge his presence. First and foremost, it is a pontificate of discernment which is deeply Ignatian and Jesuit.

The Franciscan spirituality is experienced in Ignatian spirituality. This leads the Pope to enormous attention to the poverty and simplicity. Another dimension to this is St. Francis’ dream of the reconstruction of the Church's presence in the world of ruins. So, Pope Francis thinks Church as a "field hospital" where reconstruction is necessary.

When asked about the difficulties Pope Francis encountered in his first year, Fr Spadaro said that they were many, but he faces them with great serenity. In an interview, he recalled that Pope told him that he sleeps well and eats well, that he feels great inner peace.

When asked if he were to interview the Pope again next day, what he would ask the Pope, the Editor said that he does not know, adding that being with the Pope, and interview him, was, in fact, a great spiritual experience.Source: VR Sedoc