Pizzaballa on Pope Francis

We have had many surprises recently in the Catholic Church. We were not used to having a Pope Emeritus. And when we began to get used to that, suddenly we have a new Pope, and he comes from the New World (Argentina), the first in 1200 years who is not born in Europe. If that were not enough, he is a religious, a Jesuit, who then chooses as his name Francis, the founder of the Franciscans, the saint of poverty and simplicity, a man of the people.

I met him several times in Buenos Aires, when I visited our communities there. It was strange at the beginning to have a Cardinal who comes in person to open the door for you, without any formality, always ready to discuss everything in great simplicity. You did not have the impression that you were in the presence of a powerful man. His concern, throughout the discussion, was always about the poor, how to defend them.

The Holy Land is close to Francis's heart. The last time he visited Israel was indeed ten years ago but he has very good relations with the Jewish community in Argentina. He even lit the first candle of Hannuka at the Jewish community last Hannuka. Francis also has good relations with the Muslims and he is open to dialogue with the non-Catholic Christian communities.

Simplicity and modesty characterize his life style. He had no driver but rather uses the buses just like everyone.

Now he is the Pope. This is very moving. The Holy Spirit keeps on surprising us.