March 21, 2013. (Romereports.com)  One of the first phone calls Pope Francis made after being elected, was to his sister in Argentina. He called to say he was ok, but he had another message as well...He said he wouldn´t be calling the rest of the family, so that the Vatican wouldn't get a high phone bill. The following days, other calls followed.

JAVIER SOTERAS
Radio Maria Argentina, Director
“The other day he called the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires to check in before celebrating Mass in St. Peter´s Square. When a nun answered the phone, she asked 'Who is calling?' and he said 'Father Jorge'. The nun said 'Your Holiness?' He said, 'Oh c'mon, it's Father Jorge,' kind of referencing that it was not a time for official titles.”

Since being elected, Pope Francis also called his dentist to cancel his appointments. He then called the newsstand where he usually buys the newspaper, to say he wouldn't be stopping by any time soon to buy the newspaper.

JAVIER SOTERAS
Radio Maria Argentina, Director
 “He called the newsstand to tell the owner that he wouldn't be buying newspapers there anymore. He then called the dentist to say he couldn't make it to his appointment. It's his way of showing respect. It's obvious that he wouldn't be stopping by, but he wants to personally let these people know.”

Only a few days have passed since being elected as the leader of the Catholic Church, but in this short amount of time, he has made it a point to focus his pontificate on humbleness and simplicity.


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