In another break with papal tradition, Pope Francis on Wednesday braved a downpour of rain and greeted cheering crowds in St. Peter's Square on the back of an uncovered pope mobile.
Addressing the thousands of people at the general audience Pope Francis said that everyone has defects, including himself.
"The church has also human aspects. Those who belong to it, pastors as well as faithful, have flaws, shortcomings and sins. Even the pope has them, and he has many," the pope said.
It is unusual even for this pope to shun an umbrella and have water virtually dripping off the end of his nose as he greeted crowds in St. Peter's square ahead of the general audience.
Ever since the pope took up office in March he has broken with several traditions, shunning traditional ornate garments and living in a guest house instead of the Apostolic Palace. He has said he wants the 1.2 billion-member Catholic Church to defend the poor and to be more austere itself.
