Time named Pope Francis its person of the year Wednesday after nine months of a papacy that has brought accolades from reformers, raised fears among conservatives, and drawn widespread adulation from people around the world for his man-of-the-people ways. "He took the name of a humble saint and then called for a church of healing," Time wrote in its announcement. "The septuagenarian superstar is poised to transform a place that measures change by the century." Following him in the top five were NSA leaker Edward Snowden, gay rights activist Edith Windsor, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.
@highlight
Francis has "changed perceptions of the church," Time's international editor says
@highlight
Vatican calls honor "a positive sign" that brings attention to issues of faith
@highlight
Francis is the first non-European pope in the modern era and the first from South America
@highlight
Pope Francis is known for his simplicity and has a reputation of being a voice for the poor
The Vatican welcomed @placeholder's selection, while making it clear the man so widely recognized for his humility didn't seek the award and didn't want its light to shine on him but on the mission of the church.