Father Joel Camaya, a Catholic priest from the Philippines, was in St. Peter's Square in Rome when Pope Francis was chosen in 2013. A year later, he reflects on the new pope's first months and looks ahead to his legacy.
Pope Francis' first year: A priest's reflection —
Father Joel Camaya, a Catholic priest from the Philippines, was in St. Peter's Square in Rome when Pope Francis was chosen in 2013. A year later, he reflects on the new pope's first months and looks ahead to his legacy.
Courtesy Joel Camaya
The pope, known for his humility, is seen as a voice for the poor and a conservative reformer. He is <a href="https://www.chinalucky8.com/2014/03/08/living/pope-francis-effect-boston/">massively popular among U.S. Catholics</a>.
Pope Francis' first year: A priest's reflection —
The pope, known for his humility, is seen as a voice for the poor and a conservative reformer. He is massively popular among U.S. Catholics.
Courtesy Joel Camaya
A crowd fills St. Peter's Square on the evening Francis was elected.
Pope Francis' first year: A priest's reflection —
A crowd fills St. Peter's Square on the evening Francis was elected.
Courtesy Joel Camaya
Camaya remembers the night white smoke poured from the Vatican chimney, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. "This was one event that left me teary-eyed and thanking God for making me a Catholic," he said.
Pope Francis' first year: A priest's reflection —
Camaya remembers the night white smoke poured from the Vatican chimney, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. "This was one event that left me teary-eyed and thanking God for making me a Catholic," he said.
Courtesy Joel Camaya
The new pope addresses assembled onlookers on the night of his selection.
Pope Francis' first year: A priest's reflection —
The new pope addresses assembled onlookers on the night of his selection.
Courtesy Joel Camaya
A nun reads a copy of the Vatican newspaper proclaiming Francis' election.
Pope Francis' first year: A priest's reflection —
A nun reads a copy of the Vatican newspaper proclaiming Francis' election.
Courtesy Joel Camaya
Posters in Rome welcomed the new pope after his inauguration.
Pope Francis' first year: A priest's reflection —
Posters in Rome welcomed the new pope after his inauguration.
Courtesy Joel Camaya