We have a new Pope. He is Pope Francis 1, a Jesuit, and is Cardinal Bergolio from Argentina. He is 78 years old, and has held a large number of positions in the church. He is very orthodox in belief and practice, and a person dedicated to the poor.
In his hometown, he buses to work, and prepares his own meals. So he is a simple man.
When a Pope is elected, a name is taken that reflects the mission that the Pope intends to carry out in his papacy. Pope Francis, is taken from both Francis of Assisi, who was dedicated to the poor and led a simple life, and was called to rebuild the church, and probably to Francis Xavier, the patron of the Jesuit order, who was an intellectual and was a man of God, and strong in mission work. Pope Francis is probably going to base his papacy on dedication to the poor, and building up the church. We will have to wait to see what he undertakes in the coming months in the church.
Pope Francis has served in the Curia in Rome, and a number of positions in the life of the church.
There is a biography written about this man entitled "The Jesuit." He is very pro-life, very strong on social justice and has battled the government in Argentina regarding some issues of social justice. He takes seriously marriage and family life. He is very pastoral. He has been strongly against and fought against liberation theology.
Pope Emeritus Benedict resigned as Pope last month. It was a surprise to the church, it was, he said, because of his health. This new Pope is also a surprise to the church. There were other Cardinals thought to be strongly in the running.
Pope Francis is considered strong in the same theology and thinking as Pope John Paul and Pope Emeritus Benedict and most likely will follow in their steps.
He is the first Pope from Latin America.
The Cardinals from all over the world met in Rome and went into conclave yesterday and voted until they came up with a majority vote.
Pope Francis I was elected today by the Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church to lead the Catholic Church as Pope.
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