"Just to paint a picture of the symbolism of the day.
First, he takes the name, Francis, which is pretty radical. Francis was a poor
beggar and not even a priest. That is a huge departure from traditional
thinking. Then he comes out on the balcony without the red and gold stole
reserved for the beginning of a pontificate. The stole is the sign of
priesthood. Wearing only the white cassock and cape, this is the equivalent of
a habit. Then he bows before the people and asks for their prayers, calling
their prayers a benediction. In other words, he reversed the role of priest and
people. This is ground breaking. Then he describes the papacy as a ministry in
fraternal charity, an ancient formula, but the humblest one--and one the
Orthodox world accepts. In simple words and gestures, Francis I has turned the
rituals around the pope's first appearance on their head."
-Fr. J. Steele, CSC
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