21 reasons Pope Francis is the coolest Pope in recent memory

A bad-ass public figure that restores our hope in humanity.

Krystle Tse| November 08, 02:04 AM

Since his papacy began, Pope Francis has created quite the stir. Not just among the Catholic Church, but also among non-believers all around the world.

Pope Francis is hardly the first Pope, or the last, residing in the Vatican. He had countless predecessors for hundreds of years, but none have the unassuming star power that he has managed to garner.

What's so great about this Pope?

1. He knows how to take a selfie.

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Source: Twitter

Not bad for a 76-year old.

 

2. He is on Twitter.

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Tweeting messages of love in our big, bad world.

3. He has a sense of humour.

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Source: Pope Francis Facebook Page

Right after being elected Pope, he told his fellow cardinals*: “May God forgive you for what you have done.”

*Cardinals are nominated by the Pope, and form the College which elects the succeeding popes.

 

4. He’s a rebel.

The Conclave Of Cardinals Have Elected A New Pope To Lead The World's Catholics

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Pope Francis has been well known for saying he never wanted the top job.

"Anyone who says "I am the King" is no true King" - Tywin Lannister

 

5. He loves hugging.

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The Pope embracing a severely disfigured man.

“True power is service. The Pope must serve all people, especially the poor, the weak, the vulnerable.” - @Pontifex

6. He’s liberal with kisses.

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Source: Pope Francis Facebook Page

Maybe not a liberal with kisses.

 

7. But liberal enough to kiss the feet of drug users from a shelter. 

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Taking kissing to a whole new level.

 

8. He ditches the fancy limos (aka Popemobile)

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9. And instead zips around in a used car. 

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Source: Pope Francis Facebook Page

Donated, vintage 1984 Renault 4 > New, modern Mercedes Benz.

10. Like us, he prefers taking the bus sometimes.

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Don’t forget the friends who helped you get to the top.

 

11. And when he DOES use the Popemobile...

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Source: Pope Francis Facebook Page

Look Ma! No glass!

 

12. He chooses to live a simple life.

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Because he wanted to preserve his mental health.

13. He’d make the best grandfather.

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Source: Pope Francis Facebook Page

 

14. We want him as our grandfather!!

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15. He’s full of surprises.

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“A gay person who is seeking God, who is of good will — well, who am I to judge him?”

 

16. He’s one of the boys.

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Pope Francis is a HUGE fan of Argentina’s San Lorenzo de Almagro football club.

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The club even has his name on their jerseys.

17. He’s one with the people, often serving the poor, the destitute, and the marginalised.

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The Pope chose his name from Francis of the Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar and a champion of the poor.

 

18. He randomly calls people who send him letters. 

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When was the last time you called someone who sent you a letter?!

 

19. He has captured the attention and respect of non-believers.

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20. He calls together people of all beliefs, all across the world, to rally for peace.

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21. He is humble to learn from experts who are not priests. 

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Source: George Yeo Facebook

Singapore's ex-Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo was among the seven international experts chosen by Pope Francis to help him reform the Vatican’s administration and finances.

Top photo from here.