An Italian blogger has pointed out that the pope is more frequently speaking out using Francis of Assisi as an example, and, in the words of the blogger, “Benedict XVI has become a Franciscan.”
Sandro Magister, an Italian journalist, writes a blog called www.chiesa. In a recent entry, he notes that the pope “has turned twice to the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi.
“He did so on Aug. 31, speaking to the priests of the diocese of Albano, whom he received at the pontifical residence of Castel Gandolfo.
“He did so on Sept. 4, sending a message to the bishop of Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, on the occasion of the eighth centenary of the saint’s conversion.”
He also points out, “In both of his statements, Benedict XVI said he wanted to correct the ‘abuses’ and ‘betrayals’ that distort the true character of Saint Francis.”
The full text of the article can be read in English using the link below.