After the Inital Thoughts on Pope Francis

Pope Francis has been leading the Catholic Church for just over 5 months now and I wanted to share my thoughts after my initial thoughts - the post-initial thoughts.

1. He Makes Himself Vulnerable: Pope Francis loves to keep everyone on their toes - his security detail, the Vatican gardening staff and even the media. He has often given the slip to his security by just going out the back door and stroll down the streets of the Vatican and Rome. He asked that the walls be taken off the popemobile so that he could be closer to us, "the people". The first week in the Vatican he started saying daily mass with his gardening and housekeeping staff. Nope not cardinals, bishops or other dignitaries, he opens himself to the servants of the house - he serves rather than be served. He even keeps the media on edge when he says he won't be able to do an interview, then shows up 10 minutes later and is ready to talk - now that will keep the writing and journalists on their toes!
2. He Preaches Humility; He Demonstrates Humility: The Holy Father says he will pray for you - that's nothing new. But Francis then asks for my prayers too! He has the humility to recognize that he needs prayers more than anyone else. He even asks prayers from the youngest ones. 
3. He Solidifies Through Solidarity: He does have a computer, and my guess would be that the cell phone he does have isn't a smartphone. But even though he himself is not sending out tweets, updating his status on Facebook or posting new pics to instagram, he knows how to unify the Church through solidarity. When he was in Argentina he would give out his cell phone number to all his priests and told them to call him whenever they needed to talk. While he isn't publicizing his papal phone number he still remains open to his bishops and cardinals, and to you and me.
4. He Loves Simply: The best way to tell you how he loves simply is to show you this video. He is leaving an event at World Youth Day and as he gets into the helicopter (after saying his pre-travel prayer) he makes a universal gesture of love. It's cute, and simple.

All in all, I like how Pope Francis has approached the papacy and led the Catholic Church in his first 5 months.  He is clearly a man who lets his actions speak louder then his words. 

What do you think of Pope Francis thus far?

Also, a fun little test. How well do you know the past 3 popes?