UPDATED: A Big Heart Open to God - Pope Francis's Exclusive Interview

UPDATE
I finished reading the Pope's interview over the weekend and was very happy I did so. Above all the other reasons which most news medias reported (which way will he lead the Church, what does he think about this or that issue, etc.) ... was that I got a look into this priest myself based on his answers.

Since Pope Francis's election I have not felt that I "connected" very well with our new pontiff. I know there have been some hastily written books about him, but I wanted to hear from him in his own words. This interview solves that desire.

I really like the person I "met" because he is thoughtful, smart, willing to take time for discernment, willing to listen to others (but not afraid to make up his own mind), and in many ways makes me think of our pastor. I think out pastor would be very surprised to hear that, but the things which Pope Francis urges us to do (slow down, discern, be slow to anger, think of the whole person, and so forth) are the very things I have heard spoken of so many times, both in homilies or private conversation.

Tom is reading it now and is struck the same way so far. It has led to some fascinating conversations around the house.

I very highly recommend reading this interview (link to pdf below).

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Whispers in the Loggia tells us that early in his pontificate Pope Francis sought out the editor of Civiltà Cattolica – the authoritative Italian Jesuit journal vetted by the Holy See before it goes to press and gave an extensive interview.

In English, the result of the conversation – touching on issues ranging from sin, sexuality, the Curia and the pre-Conciliar liturgy to family, politics, books and film – is available via the UK's Thinking Faith and the US' America magazine. On its release today, Spadaro called the encounter "one of the most beautiful spiritual experiences of my life."

Francis approved the original Italian text of the interview before its translation in the relevant languages.

As the story begins to blow up the news-cycle, you will want to read the full text. Repeat: you will want to read the full text, so have at it.

So the interview is out and we all want to read it. Don't we? Of course we do!