A Man of Faith and Relationship

Pope Francis recently commemorated his 11th year as the Bishop of Rome and the successor of Saint Peter. This milestone moment is an opportunity to summarize some of his key contributions to the Catholic Church and humanity in general.

His highest priority is that of evangelization, which is why his first publication was called The Joy of the Gospel. In this writing, he emphasizes the radically comprehensive nature of faith and the necessity of personal relationship with Jesus.

Perhaps his second priority is that of care for migrants and refugees. This care was first exemplified by his 2013 visit to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa to remember those who had drowned in the sea.

The third priority is his concern for those on the peripheries of society, whether they be victims of systemic poverty, discrimination, violence, indifference, slavery or institutional injustice.

I believe his fourth priority is that of Church organizational structure for mission effectiveness.