Pope Seeks Less 'Vatican-Centric' Church

Pope Francis

Pope Francis says he wants a missionary church with a modern spirit that gives hope to the poor, young, and elderly.

In an interview published on October 1 in Italy's left-leaning "La Repubblica" daily, Francis denounced the "Vatican-centric" mentality of the Holy See.

He also revealed he had briefly considered not accepting his election as the first non-European pope in 1,300 years in March.

The interview was published as Francis began a three-day closed-door meeting with eight cardinals from around the world to help him reform the scandal-riven Vatican administration.

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Francis has become known for his more open style. In an interview earlier this month, he said the Catholic Church must shake off an obsession with abortion, contraception, and homosexuality and become more merciful.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters