We have a pope: Cardinal Bergoglio of Agentina, a Jesuit, and he will rule as Francesco I (Pope Francis).
Cardinal Bergoglio was, according to rumor at the time, the strong contender against Joseph Ratzinger in 2005, but he attracted little attention this round.
He will not fit easily into the conservative/liberal dichotomy that the secular media (and many Catholic commentators) will want to impose on him. He is a strong defender of social justice and a harsh critic of the unequal distribution of wealth. He is conservative on matters of sexual morality and a strong opponent of gay marriage; two years ago he got into a strong dispute with the president of Argentina on adoption by gay couples. One interesting note: he launched a blistering attack on priests who refused to baptise children born out of wedlock, calling it hypocritical and clericalist.
He is known for living in a small apartment (eschewing the episcopal palace), taking the bus to work, and urging Argentinians to not go to Rome for his installation as Cardinal, instead asking them to donate the money to the poor.
Before giving the traditional blessing to the Roman crowd, he led them in prayers for Benedict XVI, and asked them to pray for him for God’s blessing.
He will be the first pope named Francsco, though at this point it is not clear if this is a reference to Francis of Assisi or Francis Xavier, or both. I have been told, but have not been able to confirm as of this point, that it is Francis of Assisi. That a Pope would embrace the Poverello promises much good for our Church.
May God, in his infinite goodness, bless and protect Papa Francesco, may he smile upon him and turn his face towards him, may he give him peace. Amen!
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