His less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors gave him an almost rock star-like appeal in his early years, which is known as “The Francis Effect.”
When asked to characterize himself, Francis said bluntly, “I am a sinner.”
He chose a room at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse over the luxurious papal residences at the Apostolic Palace.
Francis also chose the title of Bishop of Rome over the more ostentatious titles of Vicar of Christ or Supreme Pontiff, and he wore regular black shoes instead of the red loafers that Benedict made famous.
He famously went back to the Church-run house where he was staying in the lead-up to the conclave to pay his bill after being elected.
