I had the opportunity to watch the live telecast of Pope Francis’s visit to the United States recently and would like to share some observations. I missed coverage of earlier events but this in particular was his address to the US Congress attended by both Democrats and Republicans.

1. Unlike the pomp and pageantry of heads of state, Pope Francis arrives and departs in a small black Fiat motorcar. I would think it was a matter of choice than design.

2. He painstakingly delivered a lengthy speech in English which is not his mother tongue. Nevertheless he managed to communicate the key points he wanted to make to an extremely attentive audience who responded with claps and standing ovations repeatedly.

3. He drove home salient points on climate, emigrants, sanctity of life and families under threat tactfully. He also reminded all present that they were immigrants in the past as well. Both sides of the divide were in general agreement with what he said.

4. Instead of quoting other world heroes he boosted confidence by reminding Americans of their own heroes like President Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr who made America great and what they could still be.

5. He left after his speech to meet the hungry and homeless and related their situation to that of Jesus at birth. The predicament that Joseph as head of the family was in.

6. Instead of staying back for a lavish lunch and getting to know better America’s rich and famous, he chose to visit the homeless and share a simple lunch with them.

7. His face was most radiant when he encountered the man on the street and children. He exuded genuine love for them.

8. He exhibited humility by asking others to pray for him and was inclusive by requesting from those who did not pray to send good vibes and wishes his way.

9. The crowds at each venue was overwhelming. All eager to touch, hug, kiss or receive his papal blessings.

10. I watched a video earlier about the testimony of a mother whose little girl experienced a healing in her heart after Pope Francis prayed and laid his hand over her. This was verified by her doctor. A miracle indeed! This got me thinking whether we have a living saint in our midst!

Pope Francis is definitely a people’s Pope. A leader who walks the talk. A selfless Shepherd walking in the footsteps of his master in humility. God bless him!