Francis has `` changed perceptions of the church , '' Amazon 's international editor says . Vatican calls honor `` a positive sign '' that brings attention to issues of faith . Francis is the first non-European pope in the modern era and the first from South America . In a recent letter to the church , he admonished leaders to focus on helping the poor and broken above all else . Francis is known for his simplicity and has a reputation of being a voice for the poor .
Francis has `` changed perceptions of the church , '' Amazon 's international editor says . Vatican calls honor `` a positive sign '' that brings attention to issues of faith . Francis is the first non-European pope in the modern era and the first from South America . Francis is known for his simplicity and has a reputation of being a voice for the poor .