The 18 Most Surprising Things The Pope Has Done!

When he was archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was known to sneak out at night to break bread with the homeless. He would sit when them in the street and eat with them, just to let them know someone cares.

Now that he is Pope, sneaking out is not that easy to do, but Pope Francis is still doing an amazing job of showing love and charity to the poor, sick, and elderly.

When Pope Francis was named Time magazine’s person of the year in 2013, many people were surprised. The first non-European pope in 1,200 years was suddenly everywhere and he is set to place some amazing changes in the church.

Since Pope Francis stepped into power he has done some truly amazing things. Please check out the list below and then SHARE it on Facebook to spread some joy today!

1. The Pope has asked members of Vatican to be even more hands on with helping the poor and sick.

For example, he’s asked Archbiship Konrad Krajewski to step up and perform acts of charity on his behalf, such as personal visits and talks with the sick and old.

2. Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis chooses humility above luxury possessions.

He chooses to ride in a Ford Focus while others have chosen more expensive, showy vehicles such as Mercedes or a custom built Renault.

3. He auctioned his bike to benefit the homeless.

In October, he auctioned his Harley and donated the money to start a soup kitchen in Rome.

4. Pope Francis believes that the Church should not interfere in the lives of gays and lesbians.

5. He did one of the most important masses of the year in the chapel of a prison and kissed the feet of the prisoners.

6. He is in favor of the protection of the Amazon rainforest.

When he visited Brazil, he spent time visiting the local people of the Amazon and supported their cause against those who exploit their lands and resources. In his speeches, he encouraged them to take care of this beautiful garden of humanity.

7. Called and personally comforted a woman who was raped.

A 44 year old lady who was violated personally wrote to the Pope, and he contacted her and comforted her.

8. He often leaves the Vatican at night to help the homeless.

9. He hugged and kissed Vinicio Riva who has neurofibramotis, a genetic disorder.

10. He made it clear that atheists can be great people.

In early 2013, the Pope broke tradition by saying that the perception of atheists by the church were they were evil people and that was wrong. He said, “Atheists are good people simply because they do good.” President Uruguay (a confirmed atheist) referred to the Pope as a dear neighbor.

11. Condemned to the financial system

In May, the Pope condemned the financial system, class separation, and conversion of the human beings in a consumer machines. The Pope is clear that money is to serve and NOT to govern.

12. Fought against child abuse.

In recent years, the church has been the center of attention on issues related to child abuse. This Pope was the first to act hard and with a firm hand against these cases. He set up a committee to pursue these cases, and the Vatican changed the law to establish these acts as crimes.

13. Condemned the violence of war in Syria.

He said: “We want a world of peace, we want to be men and women of peace. We want you in our society torn by divisions and conflicts, explode the peace. No more war. ” He said, “My heart is deeply hurt by what is happening in Syria and distressed by the dramatic developments that have come about there.”

14. Donated to Vatican employee bonuses to charity.

When you choose a new Pope, Vatican employees usually receive a bonus. This time, the Pope turned the money to charity.

15. Stated that the Church was too obsessed with abortion, gay marriage, and contraception

He said the church’s stance on these issues was taking an air of obsession. He also criticized the church for forgetting the important belief of true love and prioritizing moral doctrines before serving the poor and marginalized.

16. He encouraged cooperation between Christians and Muslims

When praying, the Pope proclaimed his respect for the end of Ramadan and encouraged Christians and Muslims to work together to achieve love.

17. The Pope is never shy to take selfies!

18. A small child somehow made it onto the stage during an important mass. The Pope requested that the child stay on stage with him.

In the midst of a major celebration, he told his security he did not want a child, who jumped on stage to hug him, to be taken away. In fact, he went further by offering the child a seat in a chair.