For Fr Lombardi, the pope seeks neither fame not success, but "he will certainly be glad" if Time's choice means that many people understood that "he carries out his service for the proclamation of the Gospel and the love of God for all."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis, who "chose the name of the humble saint", is Time's Person of the year. The tradition of selecting a 'Man', later a 'Person of the Year" began in 1927 to acknowledge the person who, for better or for worse, dominated the news in the year that is about to end.

"This fact is unsurprising, considering the resonance and very widespread attention given to the election of Pope Francis and the beginning of his pontificate," said Fr Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office.

"It is a positive sign," he added, "that one of the most prestigious acknowledgements in the field of the international press has been attributed to one who proclaims spiritual, religious and moral values in the world, and who speaks effectively in favour of peace and greater justice."

"With regard to the Pope, for his part, he does not seek fame and success, since he carries out his service for the proclamation of the Gospel and the love of God for all. If this attracts men and women and gives them hope, the Pope is content. If this nomination as 'Person of the Year' means that many have understood this message, at least implicitly, he will certainly be glad."

• vatican
• time
• person
• of
• the
• year
• pope
• francis