Pope Francis, who preaches and practices humility, has been elevated by Time magazine as its Person of the Year.
Despite a temptation of find irony in shining a spotlight on a leader who personifies humility, we hope the recognition serves as an example.
In deeds as well as words, the new leader of the Catholic Church has emphasized a ministry of compassion, particularly to the poor and hungry.
"He really stood out to us as someone who has changed the tone and the perception and the focus of one of the world's largest institutions in an extraordinary way," said Nancy Gibbs, the magazine's managing editor.
In March, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope and choose the name Francis to honor Saint Francis of Assisi. A former cardinal from Argentina, he became the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit.
During his relatively brief tenure, he has focused on compassion, mercy and humility. He favors simpler vestments, visits the needy in their neighborhoods and has been known to return calls personally to people who correspond with him.
He has affirmed the spiritual tenets of the Catholic faith, and has warned against an obsession with "small-minded rules."
The Vatican addressed the irony of Time magazine honoring a man who exemplifies humility. "The Holy Father is not looking to become famous or to receive honors," said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman. "But if the choice of Person of Year helps spread the message of the Gospel - a message of God's love for everyone - he will certainly be happy about that."
Time magazine's Person of the Year selection is based on a newsmaker's influence on events, not necessarily on the nature of that influence.
Like the Vatican spokesman, we also are happy about the selection of Pope Francis, particularly in comparison to some of the other finalists, including "twerking" pop star Miley Cyrus and NSA leaker Edward Snowden.
We are pleased the Person of the Year is someone whose faith, spirit and humility is both inspiring and exemplary.