We believe that the Roman Catholic Church made a wise decision in their selection of Pope Francis.

No matter how long it takes to choose a replacement, Catholics and people from other religions rightfully are anxious and curious as to who will represent millions of Catholics and be the new voice of the Church worldwide.

Most popes have been traditional, falling in lockstep with their predecessors, and that is fine – church tradition is so deep and rich.

However, it is nice to see the humility presented by Francis. Breaking from what previous popes have done, on his first day, Francis stopped by his hotel to pick up his luggage and paid the bill himself in a decidedly different style for the papacy usually ensconced inside the halls of the Vatican. This was truly a remarkable show of humility and grace from a man who could have easily dispatched someone to do the task for him.

What a great example of leadership.

Francis, who is from Argentina, also broke from tradition on his choice of wardrobe when he was announced to the world. He kept the simple pectoral cross of his days as bishop and eschewed the red cape that Benedict XVI wore when he was presented to the world for the first time in 2005 – choosing instead the simple white cassock of the papacy. After his election, Francis shunned the special sedan that was to transport him to the hotel so he could ride the bus with the other cardinals. He even refused an elevated platform from which he would greet them. He decided to meet them level to level.

These types of actions are very telling about the man who is now the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Keeping the morals and traditions of the church intact are vital and should remain, but it is good to see that the new pope is at least showing the world that he is merely a simple man who was chosen as pope. There is a lot to be said for civility and Francis showing the world this might be exactly what his church and its members needed.

It will be several weeks before we will know the pope’s agenda, but we are impressed with him so far.

Francis takes over as head of a church in turmoil, beset by the clerical sex abuse scandal, internal divisions and dwindling numbers in parts of the world where Christianity had been strong for centuries. 

Only time will tell what Francis will do to lead the church forward. He certainly has the right background and knowledge of the church to move it in the right direction. Thus far, his humbleness and humility are endearing to us. We wish him luck in the months and years ahead in his new role.