The first Latin American ever elected pope was chosen on the fifth ballot Wednesday, March 13th. Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio, will be leading the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. Bergoglio chose the name “Pope Francis”.http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/13/world/europe/vatican-pope-selection/index.html
Dressed in white papal vestments, Pope Francis waved to the crowd at St. Peters’ Basilica who enthusiastically acknowledged the first appearance of the New Pontiff.
“Here I am, I would like to thank you for your embrace,” remarked the new pope as thousands roared their approval.
The new pope stepped down from his position as the archbishop of Buenos Aires because of his age, 76.
Pope Francis in his old position as archbishop was at odds of the government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over the liberal policy towards gay marriage and providing free contraceptives. Pope Francis is a follower of the more conservative wing of the Catholic Church and that policy will probably remain in spite of pressure to change.
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