Record breaking Pope: Francis drew more than 6.6 million people to his audiences

Friday, January 3rd 2014 - 00:24 UTC

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Pope Francis drew more than 6.6 million people to his audiences, Masses and other events in Vatican City during his first year in office, figures show. The statistics cover the period from the Argentine's election in March to the end of 2013, the Vatican said. Read full article

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Anglotino
I'm not catholic, thankfully I escaped being indoctrinated by my parents or state; however I do like Francis. He may lead the church in some of the reforms it needs to stay relevant to its followers.

However I am a little chuffed that 6.9 million people attended Aussie Rule's games in 2013; so sorry, Francis, but you were pipped by a game that doesn't have 1.2 billion followers.

Here's to 2014!
Jan 03rd, 2014 - 02:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Elena
Hi Anglotino:

I would like to share with you a catolic belief about numbers and believers, while we catholics are very happy to know so many ppl went to see the Pope, one of the principal teachings of our belief says to us: faith isn`t about how manny we are,how manny songs we sing or how much incense we use, but of how much we love, how much we respect God`s law, how much we care for each other, because GOD is love itself and we hardly could be considered one of his if we didn`t love God, his law and our brothers.

In this way we are never alone because God is always with us, so even if one day all Christians around the world were to die or dissapear, and only one was left, that one would be enough for the Church to keep existing and progressing because God, the Virgin and the saints would be with that Christian, and even if that Church were to appear small or insignificant, it could still grow again into a multitude, just like an small drop of water can affect an entire ocean.

I like that mercopress takes its time to write news about our Pope anyway , but I would like for the press around the world to stop putting so much attention to numbers as they hardly are an issue to us. really, but that`s my personal oppinion.

happy new year and happy christmas Anglotino :-)
Jan 03rd, 2014 - 09:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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toxictaxitrader2
2 Elena As one who,se family has suffered from Catholic oppression,I know when I read something as moving as your testimony,that you are not all evil.
However do not the let priest Bergolio,s record or rather non record during the time of junta be forgotten,O.K. to be brave now.
BETTER TO HAVE BEEN BRAVE THEN!
Jan 03rd, 2014 - 10:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Elena
Thanks for your response toxic, I am sorry to hear about your oppression, as I am not from Argentina I don`t know much about the so called junta, yet from I have heard, it seems father Bergoglio supposed relationship to it is at least debatable, and even I have heard from other Argentine ppl that it is just a way of the actual goverment to keep pressure on the catholic church given Bergoglio and Cristina don`t really get along because of his criticisms on her goverment, but all this is just circunstancial. I agree with you in keeping sight of the past but I would add to keep also sight of the future and the good things that can come from it. Greeetings :-)
Jan 04th, 2014 - 03:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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ChrisR
“However I am a little chuffed that 6.9 million people attended Aussie Rule's games in 2013; so sorry, Francis, but you were pipped by a game that doesn't have 1.2 billion followers.”

Well that puts it all in perspective! Well spotted Anglotino.
Jan 04th, 2014 - 05:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Anglotino
ChrisR

What can I say…. in Melbourne at least footy is almost a religion.

Indeed while I know what teams my mates barrack for, I usually have no idea of their religion.

If you ever get to Melbourne during winter then make sure you catch a game at the MCG, you will be a convert.
Jan 05th, 2014 - 11:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Heisenbergcontext
@6

Better not be Melbourne vs GWS lol. The atmosphere of a funeral. In a concrete mausoleum.
Jan 06th, 2014 - 06:18 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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