POPE Francis’ recently concluded tours of Cuba and the United States have been hailed as triumphs. Hundreds of millions, from staunch Roman Catholics to skeptical outsiders, followed his every move and listened to his message.
Given Francis’ loving charisma and gentle demeanor, it is easy for many to view this pope as they might see any kindly, secular philosophical figure. This is how the media often portrays him — as an unthreatening man who is cheerfully sanding down the sharp edges of his church. But herein lies Francis’ true subversive genius: What looks to some like a smiley-face sticker is actually an invitation to total conversion.
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