Top Reasons why Pope Francis Deserves to be TIME’s Person Of The Year

Pope Francis has been given the title of “Person of the Year” by TIME Magazine. As a recap of 2013, he has done some amazing deeds while leading the Church. Below is a complete list of some of these amazingly progressive actions. 

1. He spoke out against frivolous spending by the Church

Cardinal’s clothes usually cost as much as $20,000. In October, Pope Francis spoke and told officials to dress more modestly and not to splurge such money. That same month, he told a German bishop to explain how he had spent $3 million on a marble courtyard.

2. He invited a boy with Downs Syndrome for a ride in the Popemobile

During a general audience event, Pope Francis invited 17-year-old Alberto di Tullio, a boy with Downs Syndrome, to ride in his Popemobile. Thousands witnessed the occurrence, and the boy and father said to be “chocked up” when he was embraced by the Pope.

Pope Francis with 17-year-old Alberto di Tullio

3. He embraced and kissed Vinicio Riva

November saw Pope Francis embrace Vinicio Riva, a man scarred by a genetic disease. Fighting agonising pain on a daily basis, such an act restored the faith of a man who says he is often mocked in public.

4. He denounced the judgment of homosexuals

Pope Francis believes that the Church does have the right to express their opinion when it comes to homosexuality, but he insists that Christians should not judge or ridicule. He has stated several times that the Church has no right to interfere spiritually in the lives of gays and lesbians. This led to The Advocate, a gay  rights magazine, naming Francis the ‘single most influential person of 2013 on the lives of LGBT people.’

5. He held a major ceremony at the chapel of a youth prison

Pope Francis embraces Vinicio Riva

In March, the Pope held a major Holy Week service at Casal del Marmo jail for minors, rather than the Vatican. During the service, the pope washed and kissed the feet of 12 young offenders to commemorate Jesus’ gesture of humility towards his apostles on the night before he died. During the service, he broke tradition by washing the feet of women and Muslims.

6. He urged the protection of the Amazon Rainforest

During his visit to Brazil, Pope Francis met with natives who have been fighting ranchers and farmers attempting to invade their land. He encouraged that the Amazon be treated as a garden and protected, along with their native people.

7. He personally called and consoled a victim of rape

A 44-year-old woman from Argentina was amongst the thousands to write a letter to Pope Francis in 2013. The woman had been raped by a local policeman, and was amazed when she later received a phone call from Francis, who consoled her and told her, “You are not alone.”

8. He snuck out of the Vatican to feed the homeless

More recently, it has been discovered that Pope Francis regularly leaves the Vatican at night to feed the homeless. Dressed as an ordinary priest, he joins Archbishop Konrad Krajewski to feed the poor of Rome. 

Pope Francis denounces the judgment of homosexuals

9. He auctioned his motorcycle to benefit the homeless

In October, Francis donated his own Harley Davidson motorcycle to fund a hostel and soup kitchen in Rome.

10. He acknowledged that atheists can be good people

He spoke against accusations within the Church that atheists, by nature, are bad people. He stated that, “Atheists should be seen as good people if they do good.” After meeting the Pope, the openly atheist president of Uruguay, Jose Mujica, compared Francis to a friendly neighbor. 

To view the full list, please visit http://distractify.com/people/reasons-why-pope-francis-is-the-person-of-the-year/