Many people have found this Pope refreshing. As a communicator he seems to possess a special instinct for relationship building and reconciliation. Here is my thinking about why he is so effective:
1. He first travels to the location of conflict or misunderstanding.
2. He focuses on “looking” comfortable and breaking down barriers. He thereby takes stress and tension out of the air.
3. Eventually he makes observations carefully worded to avoid direct confrontation and enable the possibility of fresh thinking.
4. He then invites key players to come to “his house” at a later time for conversation and prayer, where he will begin by clarifying common interests. Doing this at a later time in a neutral and private location is important.
5. He thus establishes common ground, and a “safe” place for candor and fresh thinking.
6. Finally, he also demonstrates how different religions’ history and beliefs need not divide, but rather can establish mutual respect and accommodation.
This Pope’s communication strategy is not one of how to win an argument. Rather, it is one of demonstrating how to side step confrontation and choose what unites over dwelling on what divides.
Larry D. Lauer 
Well said, Larry. I love that you picked up on this. When I heard that Francis had invited both presidents to his house (love that one!) at a later date, I thought: this is absolutely historic. And brilliant. Your explanation indeed makes clear why – once again – this shows how much of an excellent communicator he is. I’m not a Catholic and I pretty much despised the Vatican for the longest time, but I am a fan of this man. I believe we are witnessing history in the making and doesn’t that feel exciting?! Hope you are well my friend! Warm regards from sunny Nova Scotia! 🙂