Pope Francis named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2013 for influencing millions of people across the world and capturing the imagination people who became isolated from Vatican.
“In a matter of months, Francis has elevated the healing mission of the church — the church as servant and comforter of hurting people in an often harsh world — above the doctrinal police work so important to his recent predecessors,” Times said in its cover story.
Pope Francis beat anti-surveillance crusader Edward Snowden, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and gay rights activist Edith Windsor for the award.
“What makes this Pope so important is the speed with which he has captured the imaginations of millions who had given up on hoping for the church at all,” Time said.
“It is a positive sign that one of the most prestigious recognitions by the international media has been given to a person who proclaims to the world spiritual, religious and moral values and speaks out forcefully in favor of peace and greater justice,” Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.
“If this attracts men and women and gives them hope, the Pope is happy. If this choice of ‘Person of the Year’ means that many have understood this message, even implicitly, he is certainly glad,” he added.
Although the final selection was made by Times editors, but they have considered more than 2 million Twitter followers suggestions.
Tags: Bashar al-Assad Edith Windsor Edward Snowden Person of the Year Pope Francis Ted Cruz Time magazine
