There was also a great deal of speculation that was understandable. Benedict was, after all, the first pope in almost 600 years to resign. While the official explanation of frail health and declining strength is probably true, it seems likely that problems within the Vatican, such as the Vatileaks scandal, made the challenges of age and health more acute.
In general, the election of Pope Francis was welcomed by the media, with most writers commenting favourably on his preference for simplicity in his own lifestyle, and on his public statements calling for solidarity with the poor and others who are excluded from society. He has often returned to this theme in speeches and in personal greetings to the disabled at general audiences.
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