Pope Francis Entitled 'The Person of the Year'

Pope Francis has been reportedly named The Person of the Year by Time magazine, while NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has been chosen as the runner-up.

The Pope, 76, rose from modest beginnings and has been praised for his down-to-earth approach, and is the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years.

Pope Francis Inspires Nativity Scene Art in Italy
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According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Pope has taken on leadership of a 1.2-billion-strong Church beset by scandal and signs of deep internal dysfunction, but there are signs his popularity is revitalising it.

Time's managing editor, Nancy Gibbs said that for pulling the papacy out of the palace and into the streets, for committing the world's largest church to confronting its deepest needs and for balancing judgment with mercy, the Pope was awarded the prestigious title.

Gibbs further said that it was rare for a new figure on the world stage to capture so much attention so quickly, from the 'young and old, faithful and cynical'.

Committee to Fight Child Sex Abuse Set Up by Pope Francis
Even as the Catholic Church struggles to deal with cases of sexual abuse of children, Pope Francis has set up a new committee in the Vatican to prevent such abuse.

Meanwhile, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi welcomed the accolade, and said that if this draws women and men and gives them hope, the Pope is happy.

Runner-up Snowden, has been currently under temporary asylum in Russia for having leaked data about the alleged US mass surveillance programmes, not only upsetting the US' ties with its allies, but also putting forth the subject of global debate on privacy and security.

Pope Francis: Most-used Name on Internet in 2013
Pope Francis is the most-popular name on Internet in 2013, while error 404 is the most-used word this year.

Source-ANI

Vatican TV Celebrates Its 30th Birthday as It Adapts to Pope Francis
Even as it celebrates its 30th birthday since being set up by the late John Paul II, the Vatican television service is busy changing its style in order to adapt to Pope Francis.