[Read directly at TheJakartaPost.com.]
by Jennie M. Xue, Singapore
Easter is approaching, a special day for Christians worldwide. It is the day that Jesus Christ was resurrected three days after his crucifixion at the Calvary. Jesus was the ultimate activist, who defended the poor, the sick and the weak. His exemplary leadership has inspired billions of people worldwide for more than 2,000 years.
Today, Christ’s heroic leadership has been the model of Pope Francis’ leadership.
His face was on the covers of Time and Rolling Stone magazines. He was Time’s 2013 Person of the Year. It seemed that Pope Francis has won people’s hearts, regardless of their religious affiliations. He has bridged Christianity with the world.
From the start, this new pope has created splashes with inspiring words about homosexuals, atheists and the others disenfranchised individuals.
He also chose to maintain a modest lifestyle by refusing to be driven around in the papal limousine. Instead he chose a modest sedan as his daily transportation means. He chose to live in a regular guest room instead of in the grand papal apartment.
He chose not to have anti-bullet shield for his visiting vehicle, instead an open one. He continued to be close to the people. He was joyful when meeting people, sitting on a chair of the same level with others. He isn’t scared of death threats or stray bullets.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was voted the new pope by 115 cardinals at the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. On the night of March 13, 2013, he chose Francis as his papal name.
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