New Italian Magazine Devoted to Pope Francis

CLEVELAND - April 1, 2014 - PRLog -- Just a little over a year ago, on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis stepped out as the newly elected pope. Since then, he has won the hearts of many Catholics, as well as those outside of the Church.

Now, the Italian-based publishing company Mondadori, announced the launch of their new magazine "Il Mio Papa", or in English "My Pope", which hit newsstands March 5th. At sixty-nine pages long, the inaugural issue features an article celebrating the anniversary of the Holy Father, and included a pull-out centerfold poster of Pope Francis. The first month's print run is set at 3 million, with copies available for sale at Italian newsstands for €0.50.

Dedicated entirely to Pope Francis, the weekly magazine will include the Pope's recent quotes, homilies, pronouncements, and engagements with the Church, a saint of the week, Catholic TV programs, cartoons, and an "illustrated history of the life of Pope Francis". Readers are encouraged to submit letters, poems, and other works for consideration to be published.

It may seem unusual that Mondadori - know for celebrity gossip magazines - would celebrate Pope Francis' papacy. But editor Aldo Vitali wrote that the magazine's purpose is to make the world a better place, saying, "We are people who admire and love and have a deep affection and gratitude for Pope Francis."

"The idea for a magazine designed to report on and share the words and actions of Pope Francis came from observing how his election has stimulated a renewed interest on ethical, religious and moral issues," said Vitali. "In fact, the current Pope is a figure who, thanks to his empathy, as well as the power, the courage and the simplicity of his message, has won over everyone, both the faithful and non-believers."

Some Catholic observers expressed concern as to whether the Pope's true intentions would be faithfully reported by a secular magazine such as this. In the past year, as we have seen, there were doubts expressed about the accuracy of reporting in several of Pope Francis' interviews carried by secular publications. Time will tell.

* * *

If you think you may be called to become a Mercedarian Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, take our simple Test Your Call survey at http://mercedariansisters.org/Formation/TestYourCall.aspx.I'll write a personal response.

Be sure to visit our website, http://mercedariansisters.org/, and like our Facebook page,https://www.facebook.com/mercedarians, for more updates and news!

Sr. Jeanette Marie, Vocations Director