Pope Francis recently surpassed his first year as the new Bishop of Rome and several people have noticed his positive influence around the world.

Father Jeff Schleisman of the catholic parishes of Greene County says Pope Francis has been an inspiration to people.

“(I) hear the feedback and the positive that everyone seems to be on fire in regards to his down-to-earthness, in regards to relating to people and he’s not just a man of words but also a man of concrete action.  And people see that in his everyday, normal life.”

He points out that Pope Francis has influenced his teachings and his sermons in a way that is relatable to other in people so they can understand it in their own lives.  Father Schleisman adds that since Pope Francis came from a meager lifestyle and a third-world country, it’s helped him to be among the people and everyone has taken notice of that and has appreciated it.