Last week, Pope Francis came to the United States for the first time on a whirlwind tour. Since Pope Francis was elected into the papacy in March 2013, the Vatican has experienced more change than it had from the time it became independent in 1929.

The United States has a fairly large Catholic community, but many non-believers have become invested in the Pope's policies. Here are 15 reasons why Pope Francis is the People's Pope:

1. He is the first non-European Pope and wants to represent that culture.

2. He picked the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi.

Whenever Pope Francis was elected, Cardinal Hummes of Brazil reminded Francis not to forget the poor upon taking office, and he was inspired to make fighting for the poor his platform.

3. He believes that the Church should think outside of Vatican City.

4. He's a fan of breaking tradition.

Unlike other Popes, Pope Francis openly confessed his sins to a regular priest.

5. He is aware of the Church's mistakes, and he tries to solve them.

“When a priest abuses, it is very grave because the vocation of the priest is to make that boy, that girl grow toward the love of God.”

6. He believes that God should never be a reason for war.

"The only war that we should all be fighting is the one against evil."

"War is madness. It is the suicide of humanity."

7. He believes that the Church should help those who cannot help themselves.

"Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities."

8. He lives a simple life.

Pope Francis chooses not to live in the Papal apartments because he would rather be surrounded by more ordinary individuals. He also traded in the chauffeured Mercedes.

9. He wants to make the Church open for all.

10. He advocates for more women in the Church.

"In the Church, and in the journey of faith, women have had and still have a special role in opening the doors to the Lord."

11. He believes in climate change and that we should protect our environment.

"Any harm done to the environment, therefore, is harm done to humanity." - Pope Francis speaks at the U.N. about the environment.

12. He uses his position to advocate love and respect.

"Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person? ... It is necessary to accompany them with mercy."

13. He is against discrimination and condemnation.

"Since many of you do not belong to the Catholic Church and others are non-believers, from the bottom of my heart I give this silent blessing to each and every one of you, respecting the conscience of each one of you."

14. He practices what he preaches.

15. He is a Pope of the People.