Pope Francis is rebranding Catholicism

Recently named Time magazine's Person of the Year, Pope Francis is single-handedly re-branding the Catholic church after a very rough period since the 2005 death of Pope John Paul II. The first pope to not live in the lavish papal apartments since 1914, Francis is eschewing luxury in favor of a more ascetic lifestyle that is resonating with Catholics and non-Catholics alike as a piety that is better aligned with religious values. As Pope Francis piles on the good deeds, including his famous "Who am I to judge?" comment when asked about homosexuality, he is winning fans across the globe and re-energizing a church that was becoming sidelined by scandal and indifference. The Boston Globe goes so far as to say other denominations are having “pope envy.” Keep your eyes peeled for stories about other religious leaders getting personal and doing good. We smell a trend.