(CNN) -- Last Sunday, a group of us sat on the beach, watching the children play, when the talk turned, as it often does, to Pope Francis. "The Pope said the loveliest thing yesterday. My father in Porto Alegre called me to tell me about it," my Brazilian friend Bete told us. My Swiss friend Diego chimed in with another charming anecdote, and everyone remarked how warm and affectionate Francis is. I was pleased to hear all the comments, but not surprised, since it's been like that all year. Everyone is talking about him, all the time. In this first year of his papacy, Francis has stirred up hearts and minds, not only among his flock, but also among a wider culture that is generally inhospitable, if not downright antagonistic, to the teachings of the Church of Rome.
@highlight
Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie says everyone is talking about Pope Francis, all the time
@highlight
He has stirred hearts and minds of Catholics and non-Catholics, she says
@highlight
People are saying that "we" finally have a progressive pope
@highlight
She says Pope Francis wants Catholics, bravely, out of their bunkers
He explained then: "The @placeholder has already expressed herself perfectly on this.