CBS Hypes Francis As 'One of the Most Progressive Popes in Modern Times'

Matthew Balan | September 13, 2013
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CBS This Morning on 13 September 2013 underlined how supposedly, "Pope Francis is already being described as one of the most progressive popes in modern times" after six months as Bishop of Rome. Charlie D'Agata emphasized that the pontiff is "the friendly face of the Vatican, the people's pope", and played up how "from his first day on the job, Pope Francis made it clear things were going to be different around the Vatican."

D'Agata also asserted that Francis' "spirit of spontaneity, openness, and inclusion has courted controversy, too. It includes extending an olive branch to the gay community."

The transcript of relevant portions from Charlie D'Agata's report on the 13 September 2013 edition of CBS This Morning:

CHARLIE D'AGATA (voice-over): From his first day on the job, Pope Francis made it clear things were going to be different around the Vatican.

POPE FRANCIS: Buonasera ("good evening" in Italian).

D'AGATA: This is the friendly face of the Vatican, the people's pope. Instead of moving into the lavish apostolic palace of his predecessor, Pope Benedict, Francis opted for an understated guesthouse room. And when 1,400 Harley-Davidson motorcycles lined a route in Rome, Pope Francis came along and blessed them all and their owners.

But that spirit of spontaneity, openness, and inclusion has courted controversy, too. It includes extending an olive branch to the gay community. Just six months into his papacy, Pope Francis is already being described as one of the most progressive popes in modern times.

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