This truly a man of God and a pope for the people.
In this photo there are 6 differences
1. Changed the golden throne to a wooden chair ...
something more appropriate for the disciple of a carpenter.
2. Did not want the gold-embroidered red stole,
heir of the Roman Empire, nor the red cape...
3. Uses same old black shoes, not the classic red.
4. Uses a metal cross, not of rubies and diamonds.
5. His papal ring is silver, not gold.
6. Uses the same black pants under the cassock, to remember that he is another priest.
Have you discovered the 7th?
Removed the red carpet .. He is not interested in fame and applause ...
Every day I like Pope Francis more!
FOLLOWING IS MY RESPONSE TO THE SENDER
I am not excited about the so-called "simplicity" of our new pope. I do not doubt that Francis is sincere, but to suppose that his show of simplicity makes him any less simple of heart or humble than was Benedict or John Paul II or any of the pontiffs of the modern era, would be an error.
In fact, accepting the "trappings" of the office when one personally prefers a less ostentatious public personna can in fact require an even greater humility - as was the case with Benedict, who several times tried to retire to a parish in Bavaria before succeeding to the chair; AND had the ultimate humility to step aside for the greater good of the Church.
On a personal note, it brings back embarrassing memories of my Loyola days when I practiced - with similar fools - a false-poverty marked by pre-faded, mall-purchased jeans, Birkenstocks that cost more than a decent pair of shoes, and a careful, self-conscious, disheveled appearance.
(In my case it was even more ridiculous because I actually was poor - or at least much poorer than my upper middle class friends - so purchasing the poor looking clothing actually made me truly poorer.)
And on a practical note, I am not yet sure how replacing a metal chair with a wooden one helps anyone eat better. I will certainly grant the pope his druthers, but I would question any attempt on our part to make something of it.
