An Informal Tone

On his first Sunday as pontiff, Pope Francis wades into the crowd, surprising onlookers

By: Associated Press - Texarkana Gazette

• Pope Francis greets the faithful Sunday at the Vatican. The pope began his first Sunday as pontiff by making an impromptu appearance to the public from a side gate of the Vatican, startling passersby and prompting cheers, then kept up his simple, spontaneous style by delivering a brief homily...

VATICAN CITY—Walking up to crowds, shaking hands with surprised bystanders in the street, mixing his formal speeches with off-the-cuff remarks, Pope Francis stamped his own style on the papacy Sunday.

His humor and down-to-earth manner captivated those filling St. Peter’s ...

Published: 03/18/2013