The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Pope: Francis I of Argentina

Courtesy of www.vatican.va
Courtesy of www.vatican.va

Vatican City — White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel signifying the selection of the 266th pope earlier today. With no clear contenders for pope as 115 Cardinals entered the conclave two days ago, the announcement was a pleasant surprise to everyone waiting for their decision.

Within the hour of the smoke signal, Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, the senior cardinal deacon of the church, stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announced in Latin: “We have a Pope! The most eminent and most reverend Lord, Lord Jorge Mario Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Bergoglio. Who takes for himself the name of Francis.”

Pope Francis I, 76, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is a son of Italian immigrants. Born in the New World city of Buenos Aires, he has served as the Archbishop of his birthplace since 1998. He is first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit ever to be selected pope. He is also the first non-European leader of the church in more than 1,000 years, and the first to use the name Francis in the church’s 2,000 years.

About 40 % of the world’s Catholic population is centered in Latin America

Courtesy of www.vatican.va
Courtesy of www.vatican.va

Having assumed the title of pope inside the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis came out onto the balcony wearing a simple cross and papal robes. He started off with asking the crowd to pray for him. He concluded the ceremony with the words: “good night, and have a good rest.”

Story continues below advertisement

As he takes office, he faces many different concerns such as dealing with the abuse scandals, and continuing Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI’s goal to make the Vatican bank more transparent with international standards. He also faces the challenge of bringing people back to the church, as his predecessor did so in Europe. His conservative views on abortion, gay marriage and other issues have been scrutinized in the past and will probably be dissected during his papacy.

Bergoglio is known to lead a very simple austere lifestyle. Instead of a car that is provided for him, he uses public transport. He also visits the poor, lives in a simple apartment and cooks his own meals. To many in Buenos Aires, he is known as “Father Jorge.” His lifestyle also might allude to why he chose Francis as his papal name, perhaps as a sign of respect to St. Francis of Assisi the creator of the Franciscan Order and to signify a new beginning for the faith.

A wide selection of Cardinals from Asia, Africa and the Americas were present but the uncertainty to which the papacy would go to was also there. There were talks about serious contenders being involved in social media, as they would be better ‘equipped’ to address today’s problems. Out of the 115 cardinals present in the conclave, 17 of them had twitter accounts.

The Pope’s official twitter account @pointifex was also reactivated within the hour of the announcement. So far only one tweet has been sent: “HABEMUS PAPAM FRANCISCUM.” Screen Shot 2013-03-13 at 4.19.20 PM

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment
Donate to The University News
$1410
$750
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Saint Louis University. Your contribution will help us cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The University News
$1410
$750
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All The University News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *