A Pope for Reconciliation

Pope Francis is, without a doubt, one of the most relevant personalities of 2014, thanks to his message of compassion and his concrete actions seeking reconciliation in Today’s troubled world.

Since his election 20 months ago, the Pontiff has stood out for his humble, direct style, far from the usual Vatican pomp, which has garnered him the sympathies of both Catholics and non-Catholics. The Argentine Jorge Bergoglio is not a doctrine revolutionary, but during his time he has offered a more compassionate, open and approachable image than that of his predecessors.

During this year, the word that has defined most of his actions is reconciliation.

The recently announced reopening of relations between the U.S. and Cuba is the closest example of the skilled diplomatic efforts of the Supreme Pontiff.

That drive to reconcile took him to regions of the planet marked by political, ideological and religious divisions. The same message, adapted to the circumstances, took him to the Korean peninsula in his Seoul visit, and to Israel, where he highlighted the common beliefs uniting Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Pope Francis also sought reconciliation between the faithful and the Catholic Church, bringing it closer and making it more accessible. This was achieved largely because of his personal emphasis on modesty and humility, presenting a winning, fresh contrast with his predecessors.

A more direct approach of the Pope in the pedophilia scandal, which brought two cases of destitution and domiciliary arrest, was a significant first step to repair the Church’s damaged image.

Finally, his harsh wake-up call to the Roman Curia a few days ago can be seen as a reconciliation of the Catholic hierarchy with the faithful.

In his short time leading the Catholic Church, Pope Francis is leaving an indelible mark. With a message of compassion, recapturing kindness in those mercilessly individualistic times, and seeking reconciliation in a divided world, he is the most influential figure of the year