Revolutionising Roman Catholic Church: How Pope Francis won the hearts of people in 2015

In many ways, Pope Francis has revolutionised the Roman Catholic Church and made it possible for people from all walks of life to find an affinity with it.

This year alone, he demanded equal wages for women, promoted a forgiving heart when it comes to women who have undergone abortions, and encouraged compassion for those couples who have been divorced or remarried. He even tackled climate change and urged world leaders to do something about it, according to NBC News.

But aside from all these things, just how did Pope Francis become known as the "People's Pope"?

His humility and down to earth nature has endeared him to countless individuals, even those who share a different faith.

When he had lunch with 90 inmates in a detention centre near Naples, Italy, he displayed an open heart when he asked the facility not to exclude gay and transgender inmates.

The pontiff also met up with a gay rights activist when he visited Paraguay, and this made him known as the first pope to publicly engage in a discussion with LGBT activists. Even though he strongly believes that marriage is solely for men and women, he has offered a welcoming stance to the LGBT community.

Pope Francis also likes to crack jokes. When it comes to online chatting, the pontiff admitted that he is a "dinosaur." Still, that did not stop him from engaging in an Internet "Hangout" with children who have disabilities in the United States, Argentina, India, and Spain. The children all got to ask him questions and share their hopes and dreams for the future.

During his September visit to Washington D.C., New York, and Philadelphia, Pope Francis once again did not shy away from technology since he welcomed selfies taken with some students.

related articles
Pope acts again to speed up annulments
Pope acts again to speed up annulments

The Pope has made good his pledge to improve the marriage annulment process for Catholics. However, the latest changes he made to simplify the legal procedure will affect just the minority of cases that go to appeal.

Pope Francis \'not afraid\' of ISIS, won\'t wear bulletproof vest when he delivers Christmas Day message
Pope Francis 'not afraid' of ISIS, won't wear bulletproof vest when he delivers Christmas Day message

The radical Islamic group ISIS might have terrified people from all across the globe, but the Roman Catholic pontiff Pope Francis is not one to shrink and cower in fear when faced with threats from the jihadists.

Catholic Church facing severe crisis of faith, says African Cardinal
Catholic Church facing severe crisis of faith, says African Cardinal

Cardinal Robert Sarah, from Guinea, is opposed to any relaxation of the strict rules around who may receive the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Pope condemns \'monstrous evil\' and terrorism in Christmas message
Pope condemns 'monstrous evil' and terrorism in Christmas message

The Pope today spoke out for the millions of people being persecuted for their faith and condemned the "monstrous evil" in our midst.

Pope Francis shows his healing power once again: New Jersey girl, 12, now cancer-free after he kissed her
Pope Francis shows his healing power once again: New Jersey girl, 12, now cancer-free after he kissed her

Pope Francis did it again. The head of the Roman Catholic Church just gave a 12-year-old girl from New Jersey, U.S.A. the best Christmas gift ever that anyone can receive—the gift of healing.

News
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach

Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.

The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'
The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.

Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns
Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns

An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.

Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity
Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity

Tearfund warns that worsening climate conditions are threatening food production and pushing more people towards hunger.