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24 April 2025

The uncommon Pope of the common people

Right since his Papacy began, even after his very election as the Pope, Jorge Maria Bergoglio was a man different and set apart from all his predecessors.  He was not one to follow the centuries old tradition where a person becomes quite different, more complicated, and disjoint from his personal life, once elected to office.  He continued to be Jorge Bergoglio, even as Pope Francis. 

Be it his taking up residence in Sancta Maria rather than the palatial Papal residence, his continued use of public transport, and even when insisted upon chose a very very ordinary car rather than a luxury sedan; him having his meal with the Vatican staff and pilgrims rather than in the solitude and privacy of his chambers; his very first public appearance as Pope wherein he asked people to bless him rather than him blessing the crowds at the Vatican square.  

His choice of clothing, accessories he wore as the Pontiff, mode of transport, spontaneous style of meeting people and addressing gatherings, open appeal and acts on behalf of migrants and the poor... 

Not sure if any other Pope ever did this... and these were not mere gestures or sporadic planned or portrayed events! These and all such similar humble acts were the outcome of a regular, routine and natural lifestyle. 

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