That might be part of it.
But what I observe is that the things that the current Pope is pushing - concern for poverty, for social justice, for peace on the world stage etc - these are the big-picture things that many Catholics who want to be involved in a movement that actually
makes a difference are passionate about. They are excited and encouraged to find a Pope who is talking about the things they really want to put their time and energy and talents towards.
Someone upthread said that this Pope doesn't focus on holiness, and - I was thinking about that while I was doing other things today - I found that so strange, because I thought concern for the poor and vulnerable was
radical holiness. And I think for many people, holiness is more to be found in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, bringing peace to the war-ravaged, etc, than in pious devotions (however good those might also be).
So these people now have a Pope they feel "speaks their language" when it comes to holiness. And it gives them joy in being a Catholic again.
FWIW, I find the current Pope much easier to relate to and be inspired by than either of his two predecessors, but I recognise that in this forum, that might not go down in his favour!