The pope predicted some time ago that his pontificate would be short, four or five years. Wednesday, March 13, marks six years since his election. In 2013, the cardinals broke all predictions and dared to elect the first American pontiff and also the first Jesuit pope. These and other reasons presaged a new stage in the history of the Catholic Church. Francis chose his name in memory of the saint of Assisi and patron saint of Italy. On the balcony of St. Peter's façade, his first words were directed to beg prayers for his person and his mission statement as bishop of Rome and successor of St. Peter.

Some have compared the figure, the way of being and the words of Francis with John XXIII, the pontiff who led the Church for five years from 1958 to 1962. Physically they have a certain resemblance and seem to share a mentality more in favor of change than tradition. But Francis also resembles other contemporary popes. For example, from Paul VI he maintains his dialogue with the modern world, even with thinkers and currents far removed from the faith. With John Paul II he shares his predilection for the sick and children. And with Benedict XVI he is united in his defense of the civilization of love.

There is no doubt that Pope Francis has broken many stereotypes and presents a novelty with respect to previous popes. His Franciscan-like poverty is striking, which led him to renounce the pontifical apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, preferring to live in a modest apartment at residency program of Santa Marta, consisting of a small living room, an office and a bedroom with a bathroom. This is more than a change of style, since he intends to preach by his own example an austere life in tune with the reform he desires for himself, for the Church and for the world. The desire for renewal and the love for the virtue of poverty are reminiscent, once again, of St. Francis of Assisi.

In his first apostolic exhortation Evangelii gaudium, he encouraged Catholics to go to the peripheries, that is, to build bridges to dialogue, share and help, especially with the most disadvantaged in society. This and other ideas of Francis have been welcomed and even applauded by world public opinion. Undoubtedly, the pontiff has been listened to by people who had hardly tuned in to the Church before.

In recent months, reports of child abuse have splashed Francis' image. In my view, the pope is acting with a firm hand against pedophilia and has taken steps that other institutions should take to extinguish the scourge of abuse.

If I could summarize the six years of his pontificate, I would focus on three aspects: his life of prayer through example - he is currently making his annual retreat -, the ecumenical dialogue that has taken some important steps, and his evangelizing zeal, encouraging young people to go to the peripheries.