13th day of March 2013, the exact date when the Roman Catholic Church magnified the enthronement of its 266th Santo Padre in the person of Jorge Mario Bergoglio who is popularly known as Pope Francis. Honestly, when the Vatican announced that the Catholic community has a newly-elected leader, I didn’t take it seriously. All I have in mind is that he is the head of the clergies, he doesn’t have Roman numeral in his name which makes him unique from any other pope and he rides around in that so-called popemobile with a hand gesture that blesses the people. And that’s all I know!
But when Pope Francis came to visit and see the situation of the Philippines on the 15th-19th of January 2015, I don’t know but there is a strange feeling within me that even words cannot explain. It seems like there is a strong force that pushes me to keep track of his activities in the country. Television on. Volumes up. And the meaningful words just magically came out from me, “He's A.W.E.S.O.M.E.”
Thus, for us to know more of him and appreciate who he is, let us explore some fun facts about the humble Pope of the People.
1. Lolo Kiko as a Lover
"If I don't marry you, I'm going to be a priest.” the 12-year-old Jorge Mario sincerely made his vow to a girl in their neighborhood. And it seemed like he was not meant to be with somebody else for his heart and life was already destined for his religious commitment. But through it all, he still kept his word. Truly, he’s amazing!
2. Lolo Kiko as a Twitter User
You’re right! Pope Francis has a Twitter account. Don’t be shocked because he is A-W-E-S-O-M-E! This is how it goes:
“We pray for a heart which will embrace immigrants. God will judge us upon how we have treated the neediest.”
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) July 8, 2013
“We are all sinners. But may the Lord not let us be hypocrites. Hypocrites don’t know the meaning of forgiveness, joy, and the love of God.”
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 23, 2013
But wait, there’s more! More updated and more awesome for that matter. Pope Francis’ tweet in Filipino language:
“Ang pamilya ay ang pinakamahalagang kayamanan ng isang bansa. Nawa’y pagsikapan nating ipagtanggol at patatagin itong pundasyon ng lipunan.”
“Ang Pilipinas ay patunay ng kabataan at kasiglahan ng Simbahan.”
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 16, 2015
So what are you waiting for? Follow him now and experience his love for humanity.
3. Lolo Kiko as a Humorous Being
When he was elected as pope, he reportedly told other cardinals, "May God forgive you for what you have done." Others might not get it but it exemplifies his sense of humor. In his visit to the Church of Tacloban before he went back to Manila because of the bad weather, he said, “There are two things I want to tell you. First, pray for me. Second, be quiet.” Then the crowd laughed.
4. Lolo Kiko as an Educator
Through the Jesuits’ affinity for academics, the Pope completed a master's degree in Chemistry at the University of Buenos Aires. He was a teacher of literature, psychology, philosophy, and theology before becoming the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
5. Lolo Kiko as a Dancer
"I love to tango and I used to dance when I was young." Our pope is not only a man of humility and sophistication but also a talented one. Perhaps we could dance together.
6. Lolo Kiko as a Survivor
Did you know that he lost part of his lung to infection as a youth? And yet, there he goes, full of enthusiasm and strength as if he had not undergone a major operation. God heals if only we believe that we will be healed. Long live, Santo Padre!
7. Lolo Kiko as a Fan
Pope Francis is a huge fan of One Direction and his favorite song is “You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful” which he described as “a great pop tune with a killer hook.” Oh well, I bet he can hang out with some teenagers out there. He’s cool!
8. Lolo Kiko as a Hand-shaker and a Baby-kisser
As I watch the pope’s motorcade in Tacloban, one scenario touched my heart. Pope Francis requested to stop the mobile for a minute just to kiss and bless a child in the crowd and take note, it was raining. He also chose an open-air mobile instead of a bullet-proof one. If only he can exchange high fives to everyone, he will love to do it.
9. Lolo Kiko as a Servant
The pope loves gay people and the proof is when He kissed and washed the feet of AIDS patients in which most people believed that having AIDS was an affliction limited to gay people. He said, “If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them?”
10. Lolo Kiko as Pope Francis
He took his name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, an admirer of nature and a servant to the poor. He can visualize himself to be like the original St. Francis who walked away from a very comfortable life to devote himself to helping the poor and choosing to live in poverty with them.
In the news, we heard some Filipino citizens say, “Nakakahawa ‘Yung ngiti niya.” When he smiles, it seems like it was Christ who smiled. When he talks, it feels like you are listening to God’s voice. And when he waves his hands, it’s the Almighty Father whom you get to see with your naked eyes. His personality strengthens every believer’s faith for eternity. Truly, he is a living prophecy of God’s goodness and love not only for the Philippines but for the whole world. It’s worth the wait. MABUHAY KA, LOLO KIKO!