Since his election as pope last year, Pope Francis has gained popularity because of his revolutionary ideas including an emphasis on compassion for others, empathetic and humble living, and more tolerance for society’s outcasts. He has also said that while topics such as same-sex marriage and abortion are important, the church needs to widen its views on other important issues.

Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the archbishop of Buenos Aires. When he was elected pope, he took the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, who gave up his wealth to improve the lives of the poor. Pope Francis is the first Latin American pope in the history of the Catholic church.

The Pope is following the example of his Catholic namesake, already leading a more humble life than previous popes. He opted to live in the Vatican guest house instead of residing in the papal palace. He also celebrated his birthday with four homeless men and washed the feet of many individuals during Easter mass at the Vatican. He encourages others to show the same compassion and selflessness toward the less fortunate.

Pope Francis is instituting a “Gentle Revolution,” promoting care for the poor instead of concern over cultural issues. He displays an all-inclusive attitude towards human rights, including women’s rights, and acceptance of the disabled. In public services, the Pope openly kissed a man with a pronounced skin disease and protected a Muslim woman in prayer.

Traditional Catholic issues such as abortion, contraception and homosexuality, while not ignored, are not the major focus of this Pope. In the public eye, he is seen as a compassionate and gentle pope who is still promoting Catholic ideology but in a radically different way.

According to Langer Research Associates, 85 percent of Catholics approve of the direction in which he is leading the church. Pope Francis was also chosen Time magazine’s Person of the Year. He even has a Twitter account which shows he is in touch with the modern world. Expansion to social media is an innovative way the Pope is extending the reach and impact of the Catholic church in the world.

Pope Francis has successfully begun revolutionizing the church in his first year, giving much hope for the future. His priorities and demeanor contribute to his overall popularity, thus increasing the power he has to make an impact on the world.