When Pope Francis appeared on the Loggia of the Papal Palace, most people were asking who is this? Cardinal Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina was a virtual unknown in the College of Cardinals. His address, while short, was humble, warm and friendly, and ended with "Everyone get some rest" like a kind papa that was concerned his children had stayed up too late.
While his words were few, they were preceded by many past good deeds that were the foundation of those words. His life as Cardinal Bergoglio was a life of ascetism, humility, and mortification. While Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he avoided staying in the Episcopal palace, but took up residence in a small apartment with an elderly priest, where he would cook their meals and clean up after.
Even after his election as Pope, he refused the Papal limousine, and instead took the shuttle bus with his former fellow Cardinals. He even insisted on paying his hotel bill in person. While this spontaneity may be giving the Swiss Guards and other security personnel a nervous breakdown, his actions are giving great weight to the sparse words of his initial speech.
He seems to follow the words of Our Lord, "Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
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