As Philly Visit Looms, Church Marks 2nd Anniversary Of Election Of Pope Francis
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Pope Francis will be arriving in Philadelphia at the end of September, capping a three-city tour that will be his first to the United States. Today, however, the Pope marks the second anniversary of his election as leader of the world's of more than one-billion Roman Catholics.
When the newly-minted Pope Francis stepped out onto the balcony above the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica two years ago, he was greeted by a cheering crowd of thousands. Many observers say he has managed to grow that "rock-star like status" as the leader of a church that was, at the time of his election, pummeled by clergy sex abuse scandals, and a Vatican in political and financial turmoil.
"He talks about simplicity, he talks about humility, he talks about trying to serve the poor. That's like mom, Chevy and apple pie. Nobody's going to argue with it on principal. But I think the thing about Francis that is unique is that he comes off as a guy who walks his own talk," says John Allen.
Allen is an associate editor of the Boston Globe and writes extensively about the papacy:
"There's no particular or any indication that his honeymoon is on the brink of ending," he adds. "The most recent Pew Forum study in the United States found that he has a 90 percent approval rating among Catholics in this country and almost a 90 percent approval rating overall. I mean these are stunning numbers!"
Allen says when the pope comes to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, expect him to deliver a strong re-affirmation of the church's teaching on marriage - that it is union between a man and a woman.