"The Christianity of history is not Protestantism. If ever there were a safe truth it is this, and Protestantism has ever felt it so; to be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant." (-John Henry Newman, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine).

"Where the bishop is, there let the people gather; just as where ever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church". -St. Ignatius of Antioch (ca 110 AD)a martyr later thrown to the lions, wrote to a church in Asia Minor. Antioch was also where the term "Christian" was first used.

“But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

"This is the sole Church of Christ, which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic." -CCC 811

Friday, January 31, 2014

An Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) blogger branded the Catholic Church as "The CHURCH"


That's because the Bible simply calls the Church founded by Christ as "The CHURCH". In grammar, the article "the" followed by a noun is definitive.

Here is what the dictionary explanation:

The definite article the is the most frequent word in English.

We use the definite article in front of a noun when we believe the hearer/reader knows exactly what we are referring to.

• because there is only one:

The Pope is visiting Russia.
The moon is very bright tonight.
The Shah of Iran was deposed in 1979.

This is why we use the definite article with a superlative adjective:

He is the tallest boy in the class.
It is the oldest building in the town.

• because there is only one in that place or in those surroundings:
Therefore from the mouth of the enemies of The CHURCH, we proclaim the truthfulness of THE CHURCH known througout the whole world as THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC and APOSTOLIC CHURCH of CHRIST!

Monday, January 20, 2014

Catholic teachings challenge increasingly progressive world: A Book Review

Author predicts Catholicism will not and should not change despite calls for acceptance of same sex marriage, female priests and an end to celibacy. [Iglesia ni Cristo cult members should note this!]

By Thomas Maupin Published: January 19, 2014 from NewsOK.com [all highlights are mine]

The Catholic Church has been around for roughly 2,000 years. With more than 1 billion members, it is one of the largest institutions — if not the largest institution — in the world. It has survived persecutions, heresies, the Great Schism and the Protestant Reformation. But what is its future?

Canadian writer Michael Coren, a 1985 convert to Catholicism, takes a look at his faith's future.

In the introduction, Coren looks back to the March 2013 papal election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio and the questions of how the new Pope Francis would shape the church. Coren says the church might change some things but cannot and will not change its teachings.

Coren write, “The book is called ‘The Future of Catholicism,' not ‘How to Make Failed Catholics Feel Good About Themselves,' or ‘A Handbook for Catholics Who Want a More Protestant Church.'”

He reminds us the church “does not exist to change the faith to reflect the world but to change the world to reflect the faith.”

Coren believes the church's stand on traditional marriage will be “a point of persecution” for Catholics.

Some other faiths allow same-sex marriage, and Coren says many Protestants have converted to Catholicism because of its defense of traditional marriage. As more faiths and governments support same-sex marriage, Coren predicts the future Catholic Church “will be as countercultural as it was in its earliest days.”

You can't write about the church and avoid abortion and birth control. Coren covers the church's position on those issues and stresses the faith will not change its teachings just because the same old arguments are brought up by the opposition. He says the church's teaching is not about denying a woman's rights; it is about “expanding life.” On these issues, he advises the church “needs to explain not what its critics think it believes but it actually believes about this so personal and delicate an issue.” He warns that misunderstanding, abuse and anger will face the church because of the issues.

Friday, January 17, 2014

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is a Self-Proclaimed Filipino Church, says the news!

This news says the Iglesia ni Cristo is a FILIPINO CHURCH.  It's new temple has mostly Filipino Migrant Workers-- such that the Minister, the Choir, Deacon and Finance Officer are ALL FILIPINOS.  Lastly the writer knows his facts straightforward:  That the Iglesia ni Cristo is a SELF-PROCLAIMED global church just as their "Last Sugo" was a SELF-PROCLAIMED messiah, messenger and angel superior than Christ who is just merely a man.  News Source: Fresnobee.com (highlights are mine)
Another INC chapel abroad. Notice the logo? Despite the fact that it's in the USA however it RETAINS its Registered Trademark "Iglesia ni Cristo".  Fact is, this INC cannot use its English translation "Church of Christ" independently for breach of patented registered trademarks because there have been numerous registered Churches of Christ prior to the registration of this INC..  The Tagalog registered trademark of it gives the Filipino a hint that this church is the church founded by Felix Manalo in the Philippines in 1914 distinct from the other protestant founded "Church of Christ" within its vicinity. Do not be deceived! This is not a characteristic of a universal church.  This is yet another man-made fake church! -Catholic Defender
A mainly Filipino congregation in a poor neighborhood in central Fresno feels it now has the improved facilities to help others.

For the past 21/2 years, Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) has held Sunday services and activities in its social hall rather than its sanctuary, which needed major renovation.

The project, including the installation of outdoor double steeples, was recently completed. Services are now held in the sanctuary with new pews, flooring, heating and air-conditioning, sound system and lighting from three large chandeliers. Bathrooms also were remodeled.

Now, the church is planning a Neighborhood Appreciation event in late January.

"The church wants to be involved in outreach," says Norman Dela Cruz, the new church minister. He replaces Max Vito, who was transferred to an Iglesia ni Christo church in Alameda. [Pinoy ang may-ari ng INC]

Iglesia ni Cristo is a self-proclaimed global church with 104 ecclesiastical districts in the Philippines and in 90 more countries and territories. The Fresno church is affiliated with the Iglesia ni Cristo Northern California District, which has 35 churches.

At a recent Sunday service, deacons and deaconesses guided visitors into the sanctuary, where men and women sit on separate sides.

Twenty choir members, led by Marieann Soriano, sang six songs from a hymnal before deacon Bernard Prado gave an emotional prayer that prompted some choir members to wipe away tears.

Then, Dela Cruz gave a sermon on the importance of remaining strong in the faith through serving God and worshipping him.

Susan Leongson, church finance officer, says: "We are very happy we can worship God in a proper place. For God, this is the most proper — more than we've been before."

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Detractors or Fact? Local Philippine News again confirms the Iglesia ni Cristo was Founded by Felix Manalo, not Christ

InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker on Wednesday filed a bill seeking to rename Commonwealth Avenue in honor of Erano G. Manalo, the late leader of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

Marikina Representative Romero Federico Quimbo said the change of name would be in time for the centennial celebration on July 27 of the sect, whose central office complex, as well as New Era College and New Era General Hospital, are along Commonwealth Avenue.

"Considering that the historical tapestry of Commonwealth Avenue is interwoven with the Iglesia ni Cristo under the dynamic leadership of Ka Erdy, and considering his contribution to nation-building, it is only fitting that Ka Erdy be recognized where his heritage is deeply rooted," according to the explanatory note of House Bill 3673.

The INC was founded by Felix Manalo, father of Erano, on July 27, 1914. [Continue reading here at Interaksion.com]

Soon news around the world will confirm the same... mark my word members of Manalo's Church!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

In the Middle of a Triangle – Conversion Story of Najib Nasr

Conversion Story from COMING HOME NETWORK

I was baptized Greek Orthodox (after my father) in Lebanon, where I lived the first 60 years of my life. My mother was an Evangelical Christian on account of the American missionaries who came to Lebanon in the early nineteenth century. I read the New Testament once in my teens and thought I knew everything. I ended up living somewhat in ignorance for decades.

I lived a secular existence, going to church only on feast days. I was in the choir at the Evangelical church, but only in the summertime when we would be at our summer place in the mountains overlooking Beirut. That was as far as it went on the religious side. I did lead a chaste life, though, guided by my memory of what I had retained of the Word of God.

My father was an Arabic and history teacher at a boarding school who was home on weekends. My mother was a music teacher and was in Saudi Arabia at the time, tutoring the daughter of the crown prince. The younger of my two sisters took care of me.

Taking flight

Without much guidance, I was a collage freshman dropout from the American University of Beirut (AUB). During my freshman year (1956-57), my physics class was at the School of Agriculture building and I was by the window overlooking the beautiful football field. Planes, including jet fighters, would pass over the radio beacon situated at the AUB swimming beach on their final approach to land at Beirut International Airport. That did it. From that point on, I wanted to become a pilot.

I could not afford to pursue training abroad, so it was a long, pioneering endeavor, waiting for the ground school to open and for the Aero Club of Lebanon (ACL) to commence operations. I started flying in 1961 and was the first made-in-Lebanon, private and commercial pilot; all other pilots studied abroad.

I borrowed on my life policy and got my Assistant Instructor’s Rating from the UK. I later passed my Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written and flying exams through the American Embassy in Beirut and got all my FAA licenses and eventually took over ACL operations. The ACL was a dead end. By then, I had trained one of my students as a flight instructor and he succeeded me when I joined Middles East Airlines (MEA), next door, as an airline pilot. It was a 27-year rewarding career. I flew Sud Aviation Caravelle 6N, Boeing 707, and 720 and Airbus A310 jet aircraft. I was a Route Training Captain for Trainee First Officers and for Trainee Captains.

I joined MEA in 1972 and married my charming wife, Therese, in 1975. She is a Maronite Catholic. There are twenty-three rites in the Catholic Church; one Roman rite and twenty-two Eastern rite churches. The Maronite Church never split with Rome. [For more information on the different rites in the Catholic Church we suggest you go to EWTN Catholic Rites and churches —Ed.]

Caught in a religious triangle

I started reading the Bible in a serious manner some five years before my mandatory retirement at age sixty. Looking back now, all along, the Holy Spirit has been preparing me. First, I had Mr. Yorkie, a talented American for an English teacher during high school. I turned out to be good at English. I read American books extensively. Then again, my experience as an instructor and the resumption of the reading of Scripture all contributed to what was to come and helped me to reformulate my sense of justice. Philippians 1:6 was being applied in my life: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (I am quoting from the New American Bible for best rendering). Anyway, I could not remember where things were in the Bible, so I gradually developed an 18-page, selected Bible readings index that is unlike any other around.

Circumstances of war and work requirements gradually squeezed us out of Lebanon, and we ended up in America. My family left ten years before I retired, while I left just weeks after retiring in 1999. My second conversion took place in those last weeks. It was the Sunday after Easter, as I attended my first confession ever, during which, without crying, tears came streaming down my face at the thought of lost time away from God. (My first conversion was a pledge I wrote on a Protestant pamphlet a year earlier.)

In the United States, we would attend Sunday Mass at the Roman Catholic Church near our place in Los Angeles or at Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Maronite Church. Weekdays, I would listen to Protestant pastors on the radio while waiting to pick up one of our three daughters from college. I saw inconsistency in their preaching and, when I realized that there were 33,000+ denominations/churches — to borrow from my training as a pilot — I applied full brakes, like there was not enough runway left! Matthew 16:18-19 figured prominently as the main factor, especially, since Jesus uttered the word “church” in the singular. In my simplicity, I believed Him. Did I do wrong? No way (Matthew 10:16)!

My father was Orthodox, my mother Protestant, and my wife a Catholic. I was in the middle of a religious triangle, and I did not like it one bit. Now, where in the name of heaven was God’s Church? I started a serious search for Her.

Searching for the one Church

The process was time consuming. The hurdle was the stagnation that followed after realizing that there wasn’t enough time in this life to experience all 33,000 Protestant/evangelical/non-denominational entities. After a (Holy Spirit) while, the Catholic Church became my target for investigation, since Peter was in the middle of things there. Of course, no entity can survive without a visible head and an organization to support it. Imagine two first officers flying a jetliner on a regular basis! I reasoned that if we need a head to institute an entity, then we do need a head to keep it going. And Jesus had already chosen to appoint Peter with authority over the Church.

I stumbled on typology (a study that examines the way in which Christian beliefs are prefigured or symbolized by people, places, events, or things in the Old Testament). Jesus employed typology: the “keys” in Matthew 16:19 which refer back to Isaiah 22:22; and Peter also: “let another take his position of overseer” (Acts 1:20 and Psalm 109:8). Next was Apostolic Succession through the laying on of hands: (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9; and Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

I read the works of St. Ignatius of Antioch. He was the first on record to have called the Church, the “catholic Church.” So, how was this man connected to the Church that Jesus Christ instituted? The answer was that he was the disciple of the Apostle John and was ordained by Peter. That was the connection that cannot be repudiated, considering that he lived for some 30 to 35 years concurrently with John.

When I perceived that Peter did not write about his travels, nor did John, I saw how God wanted Paul’s endeavors to stand out, but only as a sampling of what was going on. The other Apostles were doing the same. Therefore, I could not expect St. Ignatius to be mentioned in the Bible, nor his colleague in the “School of John,” St. Polycarp. St. Ignatius was the equivalent of Timothy and Titus, an apostolic man whose words help us discover the truth. By God’s providence, we have his writings here with us; his seven letters. [To read these letters, you may do a simple Internet search for “seven letters of St. Ignatius” or purchase a copy of Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Symrna: A New Translation and Theological Commentary by Dr. Kenneth Howell, available at www.chresources.com—Ed.]

The Eucharist is present in his early writings (Letter to the Smyrnians 8:1-2); the position of the priest is also present — the Bible mentions the bishop, the deacon, and presbyters (Letter to the Smyrnians 7:1); the Blessed Virgin Mary is present (Letter to the Ephesians 19:1; and Tralles 3:1); the status of the bishop is present (Letter to Trallians 3:1); and, words concerning schisms and reverts are present (Letter to the Philadelphians 3:2).

Again, that did it. When I converted, I had to get my baptismal certificate, because the Catholic Church, in conformity with the Scriptures, recognizes only one baptism and accepts Orthodox and Protestant baptisms if performed in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:5). I had no one except my (now deceased) sister in Lebanon to secure a copy of my baptismal certificate. She was much older than I am and would be very upset to know that I was converting. In the Middle East, this thing was just not done. I told her I wanted to be under the Pope. She misunderstood me. The word Baba in Arabic means Pope or father.

The Maronite Catholic Church

I chose to be a Maronite because I considered that the Maronites saved Lebanese Christianity by coming from Northern Syria and evangelizing the rugged Lebanese mountains, thus, eradicating the well entrenched organized pagan worship there, left over by the Christians who had only evangelized the coastline. With access to their ships, the Phoenicians could have spread their religion far and wide. Lebanon meant a lot to the Maronites, and I am of Lebanese descent. It was only natural for me to want to choose the Maronite Church.

Then again, the Maronite liturgy is very rich. There are prayers in a poetic setting, shedding light on the Scriptures from a different angle. The liturgy requires continuous active participation by the faithful. The Liturgy (the Mass) is part of the sacred oral Word (which was there plenty before the written Word). Thus, one gets insights into the revelations of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. If one pays attention, one comes to realize, for example, that Mary, not just Joseph, is from the House of David; and that Jesus actually laid hands on the Apostles, minutes before His Ascension and did not just raise His hands to bless them, as we may imagine referring to Luke 24:50.

Here in America, I found myself engaged in Catholic apologetics, trying to convert my Protestant cousins back home, in England, in Australia, and here in America. Not succeeding there, I ended up evangelizing Catholics. I wrote numerous apologetics articles in our quarterly magazine and I now give a monthly, 5-minute apologetics presentation to members of our Knights of Columbus council at the Roman Catholic Church near our home in Los Angeles, where I am the sacristan for the Vigil Mass. I also attend daily Mass (Liturgy) at Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Church.

DECEIVERS of the FAITH: The IGLESIA NI CRISTO®!

NAKAKATAWA AT NAKAKAAWA ITONG MGA CATHOLIC "DEFENDER" "DAW" NA ITO, HINDI NA YATA PINAGISIPAN AT HINDI YATA TALAGA NAGISIP.I'M NOT AGAINTS DUN SA TALAGANG MABUBUTI AT MABABAIT AT MATITINO NAMAN TALAGANG KATOLIKO. ANG TINUTUKOY KO AY YUNG CATHOLIC DEFENDER "DAW" NA TALAGANG HINDI YATA MALIGAYA NG HINDI MASISIRA ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO. NAPAKAINIT NG DUGO NILA SA IGLESIA NI CRISTO. KUNG KELAN 100 YEARS NA ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO, TSAKA PA KAYO NAGLABAS NG GANYAN BOOK?? PARA ANU?? PARA SIRAIN, TIBAGIN, DURUGIN, OR GIBAIN ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO SA AKALA NINYO? ETO LANG MASASABI NAMIN, HINDI NA NINYO KAMI KAYANG GIBAIN, SIRAAN NYO NA KAMI NANG SIRAAN, PERO MAIIWAN NA LANG KAYO JAN. ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO HABANG SINISIRA, LALONG SUMUSULONG AT NAKAKAGULAT ANG NAGIGING TAGUMPAY. KUNG NUON NGA NA NAGUUMPISA PA LANG SA PANGANGARAL SI KA FELIX, SINIRAAN NYO NA , HINAMAK AT INUSIG NYO, NATINAG BA, OR BUMAGSAK BA ANG IGLESIA?? NUONG NAMATAY ANG KA FELIX, NAGDIWANG KAYO ANG SABI NYO, WALA NA SI KA FELIX BABAGSAK NA ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO, NANGYARI BA?? NAGPA DYARYO PA KAYO NG KUNG ANU ANUNG PANINIRA, NAGIBA BA ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO. UULITIN KO HINDI NA NINYO KAMI KAYANG GIBAIN, TUNAY ANG DIYOS NAMIN!! NGAYON PA NA 100 YEARS NA ANG IGLESIA AT NASA 105 BANSA NA SA BUONG MUNDO TSAKA PA KAYO NAGLABAS NG GANYAN LIBRO?? IT'S NONSENCE!!! WALANG SILBI YAN!! NONSENCE!! NAGSASAYANG LANG KAYO NG PANAHON AT PERA PARA JAN, NA KAYO DIN ANG MAPAPAHIYA. MAGISIP NAMAN KAYO.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAKAKATAWA AT NAKAKAAWA ITONG MGA CATHOLIC "DEFENDER" "DAW" NA ITO, HINDI NA YATA PINAGISIPAN AT HINDI YATA TALAGA NAGISIP.I'M NOT AGAINTS DUN SA TALAGANG MABUBUTI AT MABABAIT AT MATITINO NAMAN TALAGANG KATOLIKO. ANG TINUTUKOY KO AY YUNG CATHOLIC DEFENDER "DAW" NA TALAGANG HINDI YATA MALIGAYA NG HINDI MASISIRA ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO. 

 Ginoong Emerson, nakakatawa ba kamo? Pero affected ka!  

Kaming mga Catholic Defenders ay NAG-IISIP po bago namin inilalabas ang aming mga komento.  Ang aming mga sites at mga BLOGS ay HINDI po ito tinuturing na "Official  Sites" bagama't mayroon kaming mga LINKS na pwede mong i-cross reference kung sakaling duda ka sa mga assertions  namin. At opo official websites po ang aming mga references.

Eh kayo OPISYAL na nilalathala! Mantakin niyo ang mga ministro, HINDI PINAG-IISIPAN ang kanilang sinusulat at sinasabi bago nila OPISYAL na ilathala sa print, radyo o video.


PEKENG PARI NAUTO NG MGA MANALO! from The Splendor on Vimeo.

Anong sabi ng nag-upload ng video?

This was aired in the Television Channel (Net25) of Iglesia ni Cristo, a religious corporation originated in the Philippines on 1914. This is about the what they so called a "PRIEST" from "IGLESIA KATOLIKA" (CATHOLIC CHURCH) who has been their convert for some reason. But for the benefit of the faithful Catholic out there.. Christopher Yu is NOT A ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST which is actually what the VIDEO is INSINUATING. He is from a particular CULT in the Philippines that named their ORGANIZATION as APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC CHURCH.

I just hope that the INC® became more sensitive regarding this issue so they wont get misinterpreted by their viewers (if they really cared for the TRUTH) and some Catholic out there who are ignorant of their Faith.
This video is own by Net25. No copy rights intended.

YOU ARE DECEIVING your own kind!

Kayo ang MALIGAYA sa PANLOLOKO at PANLILINLANG para maraming aanib sa pekeng INCorporated Church®? Ikaw pinag-isipan mo ba ang mga sinasabi mo?!
NAPAKAINIT NG DUGO NILA SA IGLESIA NI CRISTO. KUNG KELAN 100 YEARS NA ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO, TSAKA PA KAYO NAGLABAS NG GANYAN BOOK?? PARA ANU?? PARA SIRAIN, TIBAGIN, DURUGIN, OR GIBAIN ANG IGLESIA NI CRISTO SA AKALA NINYO? 

Ginoong Emerson, dapat kami ang magtatanong niyan eh... BAKIT NGA BA ANG INIT NG DUGO NIYO SA MGA KATOLIKO?

Baka naman isipin mo na haka-haka lamang ang aking sinasabi rito.  Hindi po. OPISYAL pong sinabi ng inyong ministro na KAYO ANG GALIT sa aming mga Katoliko.  

PASUGO Oktubre 1956, p. 1:
“Ang Iglesia ni Cristo ay nagdaos ng pamamahayag sa Lunsod ng Davao. Nagsalita roon si Kapatid na Felix Manalo at ang kasama niyang mga Ministro. Ipinahayag doon ng mga nagsalita na ang Iglesia Katolika Romana ay hindi itinatag ni Cristo kundi itinatag ng Diablo."

Kitam! Panahon pa ng inyong pekeng sugo eh PINANGANGARAL na niya ang PAGKAMUHI sa Iglesia Katolika na "sa pasimula ay siyang [tunay] na Iglesia ni Cristo" ayon sa inyong PASUGO Abril 1966, pahina 46.

At halata yatang IKAW ang HINDI NAG-IISIP.  Hindi mo ba alam na noong 91 years pa lang kayo ay naglabas ng aklat si ROSE TIPON na pinamagatang "The Power and Glory: The Cult of Manalo" at ano ang ginawa ng INC® Central?  Hiniling nila sa Korte na pagbawalan ang paglabas ng aklat!

At nagbanta pa na kapag ilalabas daw ito ay magkakagulo ang bansa?!! Talaga?!

Ano yon, BLACKMAILING at INTIMIDATION TACTICS?

Hindi po uubra sa amin yan... kaya kung may ilalabas kaming aklat man patungkol sa inyong PEKENG IGLESIA ay sana huwag niyong harangin. Hayaan niyo itong mabasa ng lahat ng Pinoy para maliwanagan sila kung ang INC® ni Manalo ba ay tunay o hindi!

At kayo ba sa INCorporated Church of Manalo®, bakit niyo SINISIRAAN ang Iglesia Katolika sa Pasugo, radio, TV, YouTube at website?  Para "TIBAGIN, DURUGIN, OR GIBAIN" Iglesia Katolika?

Mamamatay si Eduardo Manalo pero HINDI matitibag o  madudurog o magigiba ang tunay na IGLESIA NI CRISTO-- ang IGLESIA KATOLIKA! Mahigit 2,000 taon na po kami at aarangkada sa IKATLONG MILENIYO! 

Kayo 100 taon pa lang!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Pope Francis drew 6.6 million to the Vatican in 2013, three times Benedict


Pope Francis (Source: EricGarland.co)
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - More than 6.6 million people attended events with Pope Francis at the Vatican from his election in March to the end of 2013, figures released on Thursday showed, compared to 2.3 million for former Pope Benedict in all of 2012.

The Vatican said the figures were based on the number of tickets issued for papal events where they are needed, such as general audiences, Masses and private audiences.

They were also based on estimates of the number of people at events where tickets are not needed, such as his weekly appearance from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square.

The Vatican did not issue comparative figures on Thursday but figures released on Jan. 4, 2013 showed that some 2.3 million people attended all events presided by Benedict in 2012.

Benedict, citing health reasons, resigned on Feb. 28, 2013, becoming the first pope in 600 years to do so rather than ruling for life. He is now known as Pope Emeritus.

Figures released last month which were limited to the number of people who attended weekly general audiences showed that Francis had drawn around four times as many people in about nine-and-a-half months of 2013 than Benedict had in all of 2012. Francis was elected on March 13, 2013.

Francis, who last month was named Person of the Year by Time Magazine, has drawn people to the Vatican because of his outgoing, simple and friendly style. Benedict was more reserved and far less spontaneous.

The first non-European pope in 1,300 years, he took over an institution rocked by sex abuse and other scandals, and losing faithful to other religions.

Reinvigorating the church, he has forsaken many of the trappings used by his predecessors. He gave up the spacious papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace for a small apartment in a guest house and is driven in a regular car instead of the papal limousine.

Francis has also proven to be popular because of his statements urging the Church to be closer to the poor and to be more merciful and less condemning.

The Vatican said the figures released on Thursday did not include the crowds that turned out to see the pope during his trips to Brazil, and to Assisi and Lampedusa in Italy.

More than 3 million people attended the pope's final event of the Brazil trip on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on July 28.

The crowds at Francis' general audiences and Sunday addresses have often topped 100,000, forcing police to close off the boulevard leading to the Vatican to accommodate more people.

Tickets to audiences and Masses are issued for free by the Vatican's Prefecture of the Pontifical Household and usually distributed through parishes and Church institutions. — Reuters

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