POPE FRANCIS' FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

Usually, when someone begins a new job, the first 100 days in office are a time of transition. A time to define one's personality and work style. In the case of Pope Francis, the world didn't have to wait too long to get to know his style.  In just a few months, his open attitude has revitalized the Church. Here are a few key parts that so far, have defined his style. Here are a few key points that so far, have defined his first days in office.

CLOSENESS
A professor asked me, 'Why don't you go and live in the Apostolic Palace?' I replied: Because I have a psychiatric condition'! That's just my personality.

Pope Francis tries to be close to all the pilgrims who flock to Rome. During Mass and audiences, he spends a great deal of time with them, greeting them and blessing them. He says he doesn't want to live in the Papal apartments, so he can live among the people, with the Curia. Without a doubt his public audiences in St. Peter's Square are always packed.

FREEDOM
When I Confess someone... Well, right now I can't do that, because I can't go out to administer Confession...You can't really go out.  This is another problem.

The Pope loves to improvise. He loves to joke around and greet those who comes his way. Staying at Santa Marta allows him to schedule informal visits. He even jokes about sneaking out of the Vatican to administer Confession. 

CHURCH

And when we find apostles who want to build a rich Church and a Church without the gratuitousness of praise, the Church becomes old, the Church becomes an NGO, the Church becomes lifeless.

One of the new customs introduced by Pope Francis is his Mass at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Every morning, the Pope gives a brief homily. He explains the day's Gospel and his catechesis sends a clear message about how the Pope thinks the Church should act and how Christians should behave. 

CONTINUITY
Thank you for the humbleness you've shown during your Pontificate. You are a  great example of kindness.

The Pope's speeches have been described as very powerful. The words he uses and his message are very direct. Despite his unique style, his Magisterium follows that of his predecessors. He often cites Benedict XVI, John Paul II and Paul VI. 

OUTSKIRTS

This can be dangerous. We close ourselves inside our parishes, with our friends, our associations, with the ones who share our own ideas... but you know what happens? When the Church is closed it weakens, it weakens. 

One of the most striking aspects Pope Francis showed during the start of his pontificate is his inclination for those in need. He shows a deep interest for the sick, the poor, children and the disadvantaged. He asks all Christians to actively engage in helping all those who live at the 'outskirts of society.'

REFORMS
I would love to have a poor Church. A Church for the poor! 

Before his election, cardinal Bergoglio often underlined the need for a more simplified Curia, that could assist dioceses around the world. It's an issue that was discussed among Cardinals before the Conclave. As Pope, he decided to appoint a commission of eight cardinals to reform the Curia and the way it governs the Church.  The commission will have its first official meeting in October. It will advise the Pope about how reforms can be put into practice, precisely to put in effect a new more effective model.  

The first 100 days of his pontificate have been intense. They have been a reflection of the impulse and strength he wants to govern the Church with. 

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