They haven’t elected a theologian; they’ve elected a pastor

That was my thought, at least, watching the remarkable and touching images of Pope Francis greeting the faithful after Mass today at St. Anne’s in Rome.

What this resembled was not unlike something most parishes see on a Sunday — the celebrant greeting his flock after Mass, before everyone heads to the church hall for donuts.

But this is that same event on steroids.

He reportedly greeted every single parishioner before wading into the crowd of tourists, seemingly wanting to greet every single person in Rome.