Francis offers beacon of hope
POPE Francis is a beacon of hope for the Catholic Church.
The Pontiff hasn’t wavered from his simplistic approach to living and has stuck firmly to his ethos of supporting the poor.
It is this humble nature that has helped him spread the word with the sort of vigour he has shown in Brazil — a country ravaged by poverty and gross inequality.
In an impassioned plea to clerics, he said they should take to the streets and visit the ‘favelas’ (shanty towns) to preach the Gospel.
He also urged Mass-goers not to be ‘part-time Christians’.
It is humble manner and plainspeaking approach to his job as Pontiff which is to be so admired.
Unlike previous, overly conservative popes, he is preaching about what Christians should do — not what they shouldn’t do.
MICHELLE CRILLY, via email.