Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Pope Francis

Habemus Papam!  The new pope is Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, a 76 yr. old Jesuit from Argentina.  He is a quiet humble man who lived a simple life even as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.  Although he recieved the second largest number of votes when Pope Benedict was elected in 2005, he was only ranked 30 to 1 in the odds going into this conclave.  The Holy Spirit surprised us all with a lover of St. Francis who is not a Franciscan, but a Jesuit.  The first Jesuit pope.  The first American pope.  The first Pope Francis.  The new pope believes in working for justice and peace by changing the structures that cause oppression.  He is quoted as saying, "Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities." What a great choice! Deo gratia.