Pope wades into crowds, surprising onlookers

and delivering a six-minute homily — brief by church standards — in the Vatican’s tiny parish church,

Wish my priest had done the same. He spoke for twenty minutes about Pope Francis, but the pope only took six -- go figure.

I like this guy.

I like this guy, and I'm not even Catholic.

When I read the headline, I thought that a fight had broken out .

He should get a slapped wrist for going off-course. Pope JP II (who Francis looks nothing like!) barely survived an assassination attempt, and it's a much crazier world now.

Oh I am sure Jesus would love this one. Jesus might burn down all Vatican according to his teaching too. But many folks like to have imaginary friend. It is all theater and politics.

“Are you sure?” the pope quipped.

What a quip!!!!!

Will be nice if he dispenses with the Popemobile and all that stuff. God will keep him safe.

until he believes that marriage is for everyone, i can't support him, even with all his humble pie shtick.

He might have some charm, but he is still the Pope and the head of the Catholic Church. Don't get bamboozled. He is still hijacking the message and power of Christ which is not his or theirs to disseminate, nor I dare say, pervert and mangle.

I just hope he is careful where he goes. As someone mentioned above, the world is a crazier place than before.

I'm a Christian but chose to find the plenty of common fertile ground whether it be in teachings, parables or objectives. Sure there are differences, even amongst the numerous denominations of Christianity and faiths, but I believe it's a choice to focus on the shared grounds and I have much interest and hope in the new Pope! Many blessings to him and his work to be done :)

Kissing babies eh? I see.

VIVA IL PAPA !

He might have some charm, but he is still the Pope and the head of the Catholic Church. Don't get bamboozled. He is still hijacking the message and power of Christ which is not his or theirs to disseminate, nor I dare say, pervert and mangle.

Nor is for "Christians" exclusive privilege to disseminate the message and power of Christ. You are already criticizing, without even give a chance for the Pope to show what can he do. Christ lives in the hearts of all Christians including Catholics, The corruption and perversion are in all places whether they are religious, agnostic or atheist. Please don't spoil the happiness that the Catholics are experiencing now

Yeesh and facepalm at Catholocism... At least he's the type of person to try to get close to the people.