1When the new pope stepped out onto the balcony on March 13, 2013, nobody could have imagined how this man in simple white vestments would capture the world's attention. Before he proclaimed the traditional blessing on those gathered in St. Peter's Square, he bowed his head and asked the people to pray for him.

This single gesture told the world that this Pope would not just be proclaiming the teachings of Jesus and his church. Here was a man eager to listen and ready to engage the whole world in a conversation that is both ancient and fresh.