Other Popes in modern times have been hidden behind the Pope-mobile and immense security. It was and still is necessary at times in a world of unknowns. I pray Pope Francis I can change this and be among the people as he seems to prefer.
Reported in The Telegraph
Around 1,000 people thronged a narrow passageway outside the Church of Saint Anna, his local parish church just inside the Vatican gates, as he arrived for mass.
In dramatic contrast with the reserved style of his predecessors, he walked along a hastily constructed barrier reaching deep into the crowd, shaking hands, laughing and joking.
It is the first time he has had a chance to meet members of the public up close since being elected on Wednesday.
There were chants of “Francesco, Francesco” as he turned and walked through the iron gates out onto the main street, where most of the crowd were waiting, leaving his anxious security men rushing to keep up.
When two clerics were brought up and introduced to him, attempting to drop to their knees, he hurriedly ushered them back onto their feet.
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