Living up to his reputation as being a humble man, Pope Francis I began his reign as leader of the Roman Catholic Church by refusing many of the luxuries given to previous Popes.
Instead of using the official Vatican City 1 car for a trip back to the Cardinal’s hostel, he rode the communal minibus that carried everyone.
“I’m going home on the bus because I came here on the bus,” Pope Francis told the other Cardinals.
He then shocked staff at the hostel by picking up his own luggage and insisting that he pay his bill for the time he rented a room. The Pope said that his actions should be an example to other leaders in the Roman Catholic church.
It’s also been reported by Vatican officials that immediately after his election, Pope Francis refused to sit on the throne where traditionally newly elected Popes would have the Cardinals attending the conclave profess loyalty. Instead, he stood face to face with each Cardinal and greeted them by name.
Pope Francis then started his first day in office by crossing town in an unmarked car through rush hour traffic to have private prayer at Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s main basilica. Staff at Santa Maria Maggiore had ten minutes notice the Pope was on his way there to spend time in prayer.
