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The Roman Catholic Church has a new pope.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires was named leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics on Wednesday after being elected pope. He will be known as Pope Francis I.
The 76-year-old Jesuit -- the first non-European pope of the modern era -- was introduced to the world -- in Latin -- from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in front of tens of thousands gathered in the square below.
The National Catholic Reporter recently published a helpful piece detailing Bergoglio's background, including the fact that he was apparently the runner up for pope during the 2005 conclave.
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So does this mean an end to pedophilia within the Priesthood?
No, not at all.
However, he's reportedly very critical of homosexuality, so we've got that lovely piece of Christian continuity to look forward do. A true man of God. Well, not everyone's God, it seems. But that's how they roll.
Not just a little bit critical. He is positively reactionary, saying that the advancement of equal rights for gays is the work of the devil. For example, regarding a move to legalize same sex marriage he stated:
Looks like the predictions of a right wing victor were correct.
So while dismissing pedophilia (adults having sex with children), he's against "homosexuality" (sex between consenting adults), oh loverly........
By the way, for those not into Christian euphemisms (Padre de la Mentira) or Catholic views on mortal sin. He is saying that to vote for equal rights for gays is directly aiding the Devil himself. It's a mortal (unforgivable) sin and means you will burn in hell for supporting gay rights. More progressive priests might say that supporting gay rights is misinformed, or evil, or inspired by demonic forces or agents of the devil, but this is way over the top. And it isn't church lady hyperbole about Satan.
Theologically, there is nothing you can say more extreme than this.
It is yet another step backwards as far as I can see.
Wow. Quite some ignorance there about Catholic theology. Do you also not believe in evolution or climate change? Because your views of mortal sin are about as ignorant.
The Latin American Jesuits were on the forefront of the Liberation Theology movement, which radically sided with the poor and oppressed against the rich and powerful. The new pope is in fact most likely to be an extreme opposite of Mitt Romney.
While Christianity and Catholicism can never embrace abortion or gay marriage, this man seems to be a humble pastor who may embrace those who struggle with such things in a compassionate way.
Of course I don't expect this doctrine to change anytime soon.
Speaking of ignorance, do you have any idea what "Devil" rhetoric like this coming from a Pope's mouth would mean for amping up global Gay bashing, murders and repression?
Or would you rather discuss the RCC doctrine regarding venial versus mortal sins?
As for evolution or climate change, obviously you are not familiar with my posts. Nor perhaps are you familiar with the concept of devout Christians who believe in both. We are called the Christian Left, and it is not only is it not an oxymoron, in my view right wing views are antithetical to Christian values.
Well, he's against gay marriage, against contraception, so what's new about this guy.
Look at the record: no priest in Buenos Aires has been outed or convicted, defrocked and excommunicated, for being a perverted pedophile priest. Don't tell me they're that holy in BA. Sorry, I've been there.
Best of all, he's a black robe, and they have a rich history of engaging in predatory sexual behaviour against Native people in the Americas. A whole order of perverts. May they burn in the fires of hell for all eternity.
It just keeps getting better! Now I'm seeing credible news reports of this freak's involvement in the "Dirty War" in Argentina, when the black robes supported the Fascist military regime and hid victims from an international human rights investigative committee.
He may not be a former Nazi, but at least he's a Fascist fellow traveler! Everything new is old again.
Bergoglio is an orthodox JPII guy, heavily involved in the policy of stamping out liberation theology and those who would dare preach it within the Catholic church. Verbitsky documents his history with the 73-83 Junta - a period which at best he can be described as accommodating authoritarians who where carrying out aggressive death squad activities. Yet against Cristina Kirchner's government, there is hearty opposition and criticism of over women's reproductive rights and gay rights.
So- Silence against death squads but loud protests for Gay Marriage.
If he cleans up the Vatican, and ejects corrupt members of the hierarchy with the same relish he has ejected liberation theologians, then I wish him well. If he chooses to continue to side with the old alliance of the church and privieged against the people, furthering the Vatican's war against liberation theology and advocating social issues like birth control then I see him as pursuing a reactionary strategy that will only further the disaffection of the faithful from the Church.
My Tivo didn't record Matthew Fox's interview on the Young Turks today but I suspect his views on Pope Francis are far less optimistic than mine.
John Messerly,
I always read your comments. I thought you were pretty smart.
The fact is, John, the Church is not going to bend to the world. That is backwards. The zeitgeist of the world is of no consequence; the Church is interested in Eternal Truths. You may disagree with those Truths, but that is not the point! The Church believes now and has always believed that it has the Truth.
Right from the Source of all Truth, in fact. You are free to disagree, but that will not change their stand.
If that troubles your sensibilities, or beliefs, don't become or remain a Catholic! There's no one forcing people to do that! I'm a Democrat. Why? Because I believe they have the truth and the facts on their side. Why would I become a Republican believing that??
Same principle for the Church.
Secondly, John, do a more thorough research into why the current Pope remained hostile to liberation theology, and why he remained silent towards the authoritarian government. I have heard a different take on it from some Jesuits familiar with that dirty war. I am not saying you are wrong, just that it is possible others see it very differently. Some who were there may shed light on it.
Apparently the choice was between two intolerable evils. He chose what he believed to be the "better" of the two. Like John PaulII, he did not have a taste for Marxism, either.
For part of my university training, I had the great fortune to be educated by Jesuits. I share your affection for their general approach but as you know there are wide ranges of theological opinion in that community. I see no justification for the aggressive silencing of those arguing for perspectives that challenge those of the hierarchy.
People still debate what a responsible church leader should do in the face of authoritarians. There is an argument that the best course is to make compromises to assure the survival of the institution, and wait out the evil while mitigating its worst excesses. It's the bend with the wind strategy and I understand it well.
The authoritarians count on it.
The approach I choose is that of MLK. Leaders stand up and oppose the evil, even if it means jailing.
76 years old. So, they went with a younger guy. . .
Slimmer too
And is it just me or is that Chuck Hagel in the background?
I am beside myself with joy: A Jesuit, an advocate for the poor!
He is against everything the right wing believes in! A perfect choice. He is an intellectual and very much opposed to the creeping economic inequality we see everywhere, and especially in America.
Looking at what has all gone on already, I am going to remain a skeptic. This guy has got a lot to prove and he is going to have to show it or it will be a big forget it. Especially with his location and how it can play on people's minds. One is best to be watchful and who is for who in the end. Since there is a lot of political implications to all of this.
Except for that whole "homosexuals are the tool of the Devil" thing; there, he fits right in with the GOP.
And don't forget the 500 year history of Black Robes' use of Native people as slave labor and sex slaves. And their approval of the Fascist regime during Argentina's "Dirty War".
This guy is almost as good as Pope Nazi XVI!
I would have voted for Sister Simone Campbell.
It seems that his background was the profile researched by the Vatican for a "transition pope", someone who could bridge the gaps left by the Benedict XVI administration. However, a glitch has already been reported: his role during the Argentine dictatorship from 1976 up to 1983. He seemingly denounced two priests to the dictatorship, which got them arrested and tortured. He always denied the accusation and was never tried for this.
So this Pope has a head start with living in denial and pretending things didn't happen?
Well, who knows... However, for those who have always attacked the seeming "cosiness" of the Church with dictatorships and right-wing regimes (Mussolini, Hitler, the "colonels regime" in Greece and many South American right-wing dictatorships, like in Argentina), this will be a field day...
I actually remember the last time -- other than the brief reign of John Paul I -- the Catholic Churcch picked an 'interim' pope, one who was intended to reign quietly until the various Cardinals could get their ducks (and votes) in order, They pickd the obscure Angelo Roncalli -- who we know better as John XXIII. Have no idea what this guy will be like but know that Popes aren't predictable, and that Jesuits are their own special type of Catholic, (Ironically, the one thing that has kept me with a certain respect for Catholicism, despite the horrors of their sexual ideas, was the Jesuit education (High School) I received, yet the only person, literally, who did something to me that made me hate him unforgivably -- no, not sexual, casually lying and endangering my College education simply to keep a person he disapproved of off my college radio show -- was also a Jesuit. (People who knlow obscure, once famous, anti-pornography zealots may remember Fr. Harold Hill, who Nixon appointed to a commission on porn.).
I just expect the unexpected from any Jesuit, and will wait and see, but the ties to the Junta are the only thing that scare me. The last time we got an ex-Nazi (okay, in his youth, but...)
On the up-side, we will no longer be subjected to Pope News each and every evening.
Other than that... yawn.
Who gives a rip?
The catholic church is attempting to take over every country they are in and make them all theocracies.
In their home base of Italy, their influence is waning more and more. Their congregations are smaller and smaller.
They are strongest in under-educated third world countries.
So what does it say about an organization that shields its monies every way it can, including bankruptcy, to avoid paying out legal judgments? They will bankrupt a congregation while having trillions still in this country.
Looking...
Looking ....
Looking ........
Looking .............
Looking ...................
Looking ....................................
Can't find a Damn to give.
.
So, you're saying that Congress is Catholic or at least follow the Catholic church? This is going to be interesting.......
The influence in Italy may be waning at the national level (most notably in central regions), but do not underestimate their power in regional politics. Most specifically in the Northern arc from Genoa to Venice, with a specific concentration in Milan...
I find it is very interesting they elected a Latin American one, especially with so many Latin Americans in the USA. Apparently, the Vatican smoozing up with Wall Street wasn't too good of a picture for Latins and Hispanics, etc in America a long with the other issues there to get Romney elected. So now as the Vatican does have such a love for Wall Street and wants to take away so many people's rights and choices, they figure a Latin American Pope just might swing the difference to get what they want. The way this is looking he was chosen for purely political reasons and a con job which in the end is only for Republicans, rich bastards, and false Pharisees. He has got a lot of proving to do.
I think that perhaps a worldwide Church doesn't think quite so highly of America as you do.
Will women rights change with the new Pope...No!!
Women will still be viewed as second class citizen in the eyes of God, according to the Catholic faith.
You give them too much credit if you think they treat women as 2nd class citizens. More like 3rd class. The catholic hierarchy is #1, then men at #2, then women... maybe.
You got that right.
Ah, the Catholic faith hates women? We have another believer in Creationism!
You do realize that most Protestant faiths get down right nasty about how the Catholics are too reverential toward Mary, right? They consider the Catholics reverence for women, and praying the Rosary to Mary to be idolatrous.
For most of history in Europe, the only women who could own property and have careers in health care, or politics, or business were Catholic nuns.
This is a tricky one. BeeGee is actually quite right in most of his comments, theoretically. When it comes to Catholicism 'as she is spoke' most of you are more correct. The only technical 'second-class' citizenship is the restriction against women priests, and the historical fact -- if you are arguing attitudes through the ages -- is that nuns and leaders of congregations of nuns have had important influence on the Church. (And if Catholicism is to survive, it needs to change the first and return to the second.)
Even the abortion question is not, for most Catholics, seen as an 'anti-woman' -- and again, theoretically it is not -- but as a matter of saving what they (honestly, if absurdly) see as a life and an 'immortal soul.' It really helps, if you hope to change someone's mind -- as we have to, at least as far as society, they have and should have every right to put rules on their own members -- to understand where thjat mind is actually at.
(BeeGee's historical facts are really quite fascinating. Some of you might read some of the Sister Fidelma books by Peter Tremayne to see the position of nuns in the Irish Church before the Norse invasion and Rome's taking control -- and might wish that it had been the Irish who won those struggles.)
Yes, Protestants -- though of a very old-fashioned fundamentalist anti-Catholicism -- do condemn Catholics' 'Mariolatry' and even the respect they show to nuns -- and create all sorts of myths about them. But how this makes modern day Catholic women feel better about the current minimal respect they get in practice escapes me.
Similarly, as a bisexual man, I gain understanding -- but little consolation -- from my knowledge that all the Abrahamic religions were composed for cultures that were desert cultures, at a time when the majority of infants would not survive, and when ordinary sanitation was a serious dificulty -- no showers or tubs upstairs in the tents. And at least Leviticus and the Qu'ran were written for all-male warrior cultures where there was strength in numbers -- and therefore where 'non-breeders' were a problem for the tribe as a whole.
(Translating, or seeing the need to translate, books written for this different a culture into our own may be difficult to understand. But the real tragedy is that the people trying to enforce Bronze Age rules on today frequently have no idea of how different the culture was and see it as merely 'us with less technology.' They not merely attempt to give modern day reasons for the ancient rules -- they actually think that those reasons are the real justifications for these writings.)
As I recall, with all due respect, the Church was founded on the teachings of Someone who lived thousands of years ago and Who was raised from the dead. Since the Church believes that that person is God, and eternal, (outside of time) what the modern zeitgeist is, is of no value to its teachings or beliefs, no matter how "outdated" they strike people today.The first Pope, St. Peter, was chosen by Christ Himself. The rest are successive.
You can live however you choose, but the Church is not going to accommodate you or anyone else over the teachings of Christ. Their mission is very different from that. In fact, it is the antithesis of that.
I love the catholic religion, is the most beautiful of them all, even though I disagree with the way the institution itself is manage.
real 2013,
Don't believe everything you hear about the Church. It is a very humane and loving place and I never regretted converting to Catholicism. Not for one second.
This Pope cares for the poor and is very humble. He actually took the tram to work and dislikes the fancy trappings of the office. He went into the slums of Buenos Aires and kissed the feet of aids patients. That tells me a lot. He is a blessed choice.
Just don't kiss him on the mouth! I wonder did a shoe ever slip him the tongue?
A beautiful religion??? That protects predator pedophile priests? Black Robes who show their compassion by enslaving Native people to do their work and their sexual bidding. That supported the military Fascists during Argentina's "Dirty War"??
You-all have a really perverted sense of what's good and compassionate and holy!
Who ran the Inquisition!!
Oh geez, now you're calling him a foot-fetishist. Ok, now you've gone too far. How dare you insult feet!
I'm not catholic (or at all religious), but watching a tradition that has been around for almost 2,000 years is interesting. I also think that anyone who is elected the leader of (and has influence over) 1.2 billion people should probably be taken seriously.
That said, I think it's past time for the church to use its massive resources to really make a difference in people's lives. As much money as the church has, there should be no one on this planet without clean water, food and shelter. The fact that Bergoglio has a history of caring about the plight of the poor is somewhat encouraging - although a change in circumstances can often lead to a change in philosophy.
How much money do you think the Church has?
I suspect if you were to add it all up it's less than the U.S. deficit last year, and we're not doing a very great job of providing clean water, food, and shelter to all Americans. Most of the Church's "wealth" is in church buildings and property. I'm not sure it should sell the Michelangelos to a Big Corporation.
For one thing, his influence might just be felt within italy. With a political vacuum currently in place, the fact that there now is a Pope will mean that there is a religious figure (although foreign) to compensate. Since the Pope is also Bishop of Rome...
I just want to say -- as someone who left Catholicism 50 years ago, and, in the reverse of the usual process, realized I had to be an atheist before I decided to leave -- I have to compliment BeeGee on his comments here. They frequently vastly overweight history, they are too theoretical and have little to do with the lives of -- or the religion actually taught to -- today's American Catholics. But they are hardly the rantings of a Bill Donohue, or the pious babbling of many Diocesan spokesmen that get air time.
The fact that there are Catholics who do know the hiostory and theology, and who don't join the mythogogues, the fact that BeeGee is obviously sincerely trying to bring together attitudes we all share with his own faith, is one of the few things that make it possible to think that Catholicism -- with its very many good things but without its sexual idiocy -- can survive rather than simply be abandoned to History's landfill. (And if you doubt its good things, do some studying and thinking about the implications of 'salvation through faith and works' rather than 'salvation through faith alone.' Sounds absurdly technical and unimportant, until you realize how it affects the importance you give to how you treat others. -- and again, we are speaking of theologically accurate Catholicism, not necessarily what you get in Catechism classes.)
Francis doesn't sound very pope-y. Maybe that's why he's the first one.
Long lapsed Catholic here but, Francis is an encouraging choice for a name. St. Francis was known for ministering to the poor and humility of memory serves me, been quite awhile since I studied the saints.
That's very true, but let's hope he's not *quite* as dedicated to poverty as the original Francis was. If I remember correctly, St. Francis of Assisi only owned the one cassock, and when it was being washed, he hung around in his birthday suit. Now THERE'S a Vatican tour that you don't want to be part of!
"Go Francis, and repair my church in ruins."
There is more than one St. Francis in Catholicism, and most of us see and think of St. Francis of Asissi. But remember the founder of the Jesuit order was St. Francis Xavier, and that could have been the inspiration as could St. Francis de Sales. There's even a St. Francis Solanus, who was the first missionary to preach in what is now Argentina.
Well you just posted a first: the single sickest, most disgusting thing I've ever seen on the blog. Congratulations.
Actually, it makes more sense than most of the drivel written by the blind apologists for the Nazi- and Fascist-loving hierarchy of today's church. Not to mention the real need to straighten out the criminal "offshore banking" functions of the Vatican Bank, recently documented by The Economist. Not to mention the continuing coverup of all the predator pedophile priests by the pedophile protectors in the Vatican. Not to mention the numerous well-documented expropriations of "pagan" religious practices, including ritual cannibalism. I could go on . . . .
Someone doesn't like having the Truth exposed.
Angeleno, "Someone doesn't like having the truth exposed."
Sounds like you are one of them. People like you concentrate on everything but the Truth. I would hate to feel like you do, with such bitter disregard for things you barely have any understanding of.
Until you have a better grasp, or at least some grasp of the politics of Argentina in the 70's, I would suggest you watch calling these priests and archbishops Fascist loving Nazis. That is a lie I will have to stand against.
As for cannibalism, get serious..like a lot of what is said here, I am just going to ignore that. Maybe your news comes from the National Inquirer?
As for pedophile priests, lets look at statistics: how many out of 1.2 BILLION Catholics do you think there are? How many in the general population?As for the answer to pedophile priests being marriage, to my knowledge marriage has never cured one homosexual or one pedophile, EVER.
A beautiful, if unintelligent, screed. Please provide some evidence, some facts, that support your contention that this guy and his fellow conspirators did not support the Fascists in the Dirty Wars. There's plenty of documentation that they did, and it's been referenced by others in these threads. As for their going easy on pedophile priests, again there's overwhelming evidence that they did. Where is your counter-evidence?
Delusions may be fun to indulge in, but when people's lives are ruined, or people are killed, it's time to wake up and address the facts and the evidence. Let's see you do just that.
The name "Francis" for religion is like a retired jersey number in sports. Ya just don't use it because former people with that name are so venerated.
It would be like a hockey player coming to Pittsburgh and choosing to wear the number 66.
On the flip side, there could be a female Pope in the future and she will choose the name "Frances" and confuse everybody.
Remember the quick way to spell Francis or Frances:
If it's a guy, there's an "I". If it's a she, there's an "E".
Huh!! The idea of a Pope choosing a 'new name' is to show veneration to a saint or a predecessor -- the first John Paul specifically chose the name to honor Paul VI and John XXIII and Wotyla chose the same name to honor him. Even priests in the various orders and nuns choose new names (I doubt if Sister Matthew or Father Donatus -- both franciscans of my youth -- were given those names by their parents) and pick names that -- theoretically -- are those of saints they admire. Jerseys don't get retired in this sport.
What a cop out! Take the easy way out and not have to think about the real problems of the church by electing the runner-up from the last conclave. Just another old useless conservative to keep piling the guilt of catholics upon innocents who know no different. Just like the U.S. Congress, until they admit their mistakes and clean house, nothing at all will change. :-(
wikipedia has changed the new pope biography just 2 seconds after his coronation.
i just had time to copy paste since when i tried to search it again, everything was lost
here is what i could save, make a search now and you will find another history written
for example, among many things, Wikipedia said:
Liberation theology
Bergoglio is an accomplished theologian who distanced himself from liberation theology early in his career. He is thought to be close to Comunione e Liberazione, a conservative lay movement.
Abortion and euthanasia
Cardinal Bergoglio has invited his clergy and laity to oppose both abortion and euthanasia.[3]
Homosexuality
He has affirmed church teaching on homosexuality, though he teaches the importance of respecting individuals who are homosexual. He strongly opposed legislation introduced in 2010 by the Argentine Government to allow same-sex marriage. In a letter to the monasteries of Buenos Aires, he wrote: "Let's not be naive, we're not talking about a simple political battle; it is a destructive pretension against the plan of God. We are not talking about a mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God." He has also insisted that adoption by homosexuals is a form of discrimination against children. This position received a rebuke from Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who said the church's tone was reminiscent of "medieval times and the Inquisition".[4]
Wow, the guy's a real uniter, if you're in the hate club you're all set to go to Heaven!
What club do you belong to?
"Communione e Liberazione"? Hold on a minute... There have been a series of political scandals in Northern Italy (most specifically Milan and the Lombardy region), and their name popped up. Mostly related to illegal cash payments and some contracts related to the management of regional hospitals...
Please, I really appreciate if you may mention this things in your TV show, Thank you Rachel.
Hector
As a Catholic, I am happy with this choice - his choice of Francis is an indication of how he looks at the world. He is a Jesuit, that also encourages me. And he has a personal touch, a pastoral touch. We did not need another Italian curia member or anyone strongly associated with the curia, and it is certainly time to reach beyond Europe. I can't fault him for upholding beliefs that are part of the canon of the Catholic church - whether I agree with everything - that's between me and my conscience, which the church says I am to rely on as an informed prayerful Catholic.
As this is a religion written down essentially by men, and then organized on a Roman military template, is it any wonder that the women who were leaders of early churches were forgotten and ignored? Women priests, I think, are inevitable. If Mary, human though she was, was trusted to teach and raise the Son, then why should women not be trusted to be priests? It's not easy being a Catholic woman but I have hope that there will be change.
And as to the enormous resources of the Church eliminating poverty? It's not the money you need - if you could solve the problems of poverty by throwing money at them, we wouldn't have any poor. How many millions have been given to corrupt regimes that never got near any one who is poor? How many countries continue to live according to barbaric beliefs that don't value human life? You can't eliminate poverty and injustice until you convince people that every life matters and taking care of the poorest takes care of everyone. And in the country with the most freedom, ours, the gap betwen the haves and have-nots is widening.
#21, Soprano 1,
Thank you. You are a light shining in the darkness, and after reading some of this trash, I needed that. I am a convert to Catholicism and I love the Church.
Yes, the gap between have and have not has grown so alarming. Have you seen the video from Harvard? It is a real shock. It is on my facebook page. The gap is so much wider than we imagined. I am concerned that we Americans have crossed the Rubicon.
I am so pleased by this choice. He is a truly perfect Pope for the inequality and injustice we see today in the world. My husband speaks several languages and Spanish is one, so today he translated for me!
Nearly half the people working in respected positions in the Vatican today are women. You never hear about that.
Oh, and I forgot the 500 year history of the KKKatholic church in its enslavement of Native people for forced labor and sexual functions by the Black Robes, of which this guy is one. A really beautiful, compassionate base to build on, eh?
The Institute of Pedophilia and Bishopry (IPB) has a new commander!
All hail.. 1.2 billion suckers have received a sucker blessing, I mean succor..
You're the one that su**s.
I am not a Christian, but I am offended by your bigotry.
Go away.
You are now on ignore, Trollop. That was really sick. Why all this hate? I just don't get it, but at least I don't have to listen to it.
It is sad that you can only think of the most prurient and disgusting thing which the Church is currently trying very hard to eradicate. In fact, the Church today, after all this, is probably the safest place around for children. Do you have any idea of how vigorously the Church has been trying to eliminate this? How terrible they believe it to be?
I guess not. It's easier to make fun of it. If you're ant-Catholic, it's easier to believe all Catholics think it's OK. We Don't. No one does. No one.
Except for all the ones who do. Including the hierarchy that has been approving the cover-ups for years and years.
If what you say is true, where is the action plan from the latest pedophile-protector pope? Where are his actions that show that he and the rest are focused on ending this great shame?
[sound of crickets chirping]
Another Pope? So what. As with all religions it is a church devised by man for the express reason to dominate and subjugate the ignorant masses. If this new Pope empties the Vatican coffers and gives their unimaginable wealth back to the people they have hoodwinked, then he might be a man worth praising. Till then, he's just another guy in silk robes.
I think if we're honest it's we Americans who have the unimaginable wealth compared to the rest of the world. So when are you going to sell all you have and give it to the poor?
This man did, many years ago. Gave all he had, and vowed never to own any personal property. Have you done that? Made yourself completely dependent on others, just like the poor? He did. Eventually he was made bishop and that role requires the ownership of property, but that was only many decades after he lived the vowed life.
Let's see what happens. I think choosing him would have been a better choice 8 years ago, but I wish him well now.
Bee Gee, I agree. Eight years ago would have made a lot more sense to me, too. He came in second and I still don't know why. (Never will either).
As for charity, the Catholic Church has no peers.
That's just what we need after the Catholic church got caught in scandal after scandal molesting little boys: A new pope named Francis.
Alva, I like you, even though many here don't. But I, as a spiritual and non-Christian person, am offended by what you just wrote.
You are completely correct, in that the child-molestation by Catholic clergy is a huge scandal. But cynically assuming that they are going to (continue to) stonewall this scandal based on the religious name taken by the new Pope is just dumb,
Stop it. Thanks.
Alva, #24
Don't try that argument in any philosophy class.
WAIT! Karl Rove says they're still counting votes and Mitt Romney might be the next Pope!
Donald Trump was in the running but pulled out when he found out the mitre may disturb the raccoon on his head!
There is no raccoon on Trump's head. It is a muscrat!
I'm glad its finally over! And the Cardinals can stop blowing smoke!
Now if they'll just stop smoking pole.