Time Magazine names Pope Francis its ‘Person of the Year’
Reuters has the story, which begins:
Time magazine named Pope Francis its Person of the Year on Wednesday, crediting him with shifting the message of the Catholic Church while capturing the imagination of millions of people who had become disillusioned with the Vatican. This is the third time the magazine has chosen a pope as its Person of the Year. Time gave that honor to Pope John Paul II in 1994 and to Pope John XXIII in 1963.
Here is the full statement by Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi:
This fact is unsurprising, considering the resonance and very widespread attention given to the election of Pope Francis and the beginning of his pontificate. It is a positive sign that one of the most prestigious acknowledgements in the field of the international press has been attributed to one who proclaims spiritual, religious and moral values in the world, and who speaks effectively in favour of peace and greater justice.
With regard to the Pope, for his part, he does not seek fame and success, since he carries out his service for the proclamation of the Gospel and the love of God for all. If this attracts men and women and gives them hope, the Pope is content. If this nomination as “Person of the Year” means that many have understood this message, at least implicitly, he will certainly be glad.
Fr Tom Rosica, who liaises with English-speaking media on behalf of Fr Lombardi, added:
I can only re-echo the sentiments of Fr. Lombardi. The decision of TIME Magazine is no surprise. What I have personally witnessed over the past nine months, and in particular working closely with English language media around the entire world, is that many of you have not only reported the stories, but have understood the great gift the world received on March 13, 2013. The life, messages and gestures of Pope Francis have clearly transcended religious and sectarian divisions. He is an instrument of peace and hope for humanity. Clearly he spends himself gladly and joyfully for the the world. The world would be a poorer place without Francis, Bishop of Rome.
Tags: Pope Francis
‘The world would be a poorer place without Francis, Bishop of Rome.’
Yes. Yes and No. Paradox,
Yes it would be a spiritually poorer Vatican, because without Papa Francis having made the shift to live out the Gospel more authentically with the poverty stricken of our world, we would possibly have seen another Pope living the richness which we so struggle with ~ whilst others are suffering.
No it wouldn’t be a poorer place without him. The world is a poorer place with him ~ which is exactly how it should be, because he humbly shows us the poverty and highlights all the poorness, which otherwise many would have a complacency to ignore. The world is a poorer place with him in it ~ and thank God Papa calls us all to account.
‘Yes it would be a spiritually poorer Vatican’ and world!,