The recently elected Pope Francis brings a breath of fresh air into the Christian world. Catholics and Protestants will be inspired by his message of making the church “become poor” in order to serve the poor and downtrodden in our world. This is, after all, the true Christian message: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). By shunning the fancier aspects of the papacy, Pope Francis sends a powerful message: it is time for the church to become more like Christ and less like Caesar.

Who are the orphans? Naturally, those without parents are orphans, but there are also those who are “orphaned” in society, those who are left unprotected. As federal and state budget cuts and hard-heartedness in- crease, who will look out for those who are left behind? Pope Francis might be the religious leader to get Christians seriously involved in caring for others, especially those who have no one looking out for them.

Who are the widows? Naturally, those who have lost their spouse are widows, but there are also those who are “widowed” in society, those who once had what they needed but lost it. As people face foreclosure, loss of employment, food insecurity, and the loss of compassion from friends and neighbors, who will look out for those who now find themselves destitute? Pope Francis might be the religious leader to get Christians seriously involved in caring for others, especially those who once thought that they would be fine and not need help from anyone.

Pope Francis exemplifies what could be right about religion. The bringing to fruition of his message will make this world a better place.