Fr. Michael Perry

The new minister general of the Order of Friars Minor said the Franciscans are united, energized and challenged by the ministry of the new pope, whose name honours their founder, St. Francis of Assisi.

Pope Francis “has energized us, but he also has challenged us just by who he is,” said U.S. Franciscan Father Michael Perry, who was elected May 22.

The pope’s “authenticity is challenging us to rediscover our own authenticity, and calling us to simplify our lives and to speak less and demonstrate more who we are.”