The pope who prioritizes
Francis hasn't just adopted a different style from Benedict. He has put first things first.
There has been a lot of debate as to whether Pope Francis is changing Catholic doctrine or not. Early in his papacy, his approach was categorized as a “change in tone,” and that phrase has stuck remarkably well. It's an often unquestioned subtitle to Francis' papacy.
“Change of tone” is a politically shrewd phrase. It has the word change, which excites liberals. But it also suggests that the change might be more along the lines of style and not substance, which is an attempt to reassure conservatives. Francis dances in the space between.
I have never found it wholly satisfactory. I believe the papacy of Pope Francis has been, among many things, an attempt to put first things first and second things second: Francis is the pope who prioritizes.
