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| 266 th Pope |
With the election today of Pope Francis. The Roman Catholic Church has a leader that they have been without since the retirement of Pope Benedict. The first Pope that has emerged from the New World in over 2000 years of Church history. Was elected after just 24 hours after the start of the conclave. Jorge Mario Bergolio from Argentina. Son of Italian immigrants that were among almost 5 million that immigrated to that country in the late 1800's and 1900's. One fifth of the population of Argentina, South America, being of Italian decent. Those of German and Spanish decent and Mestizos, making up the rest of the population. The Pope is a Jesuit priest that chose the name Francis. To reflect the man, Francis di Assisi. Who took on the task of reorganizing the church . In it's time of turmoil. The name Francis also reflects Francis Xavier the founder of he Jesuit order. An order sometimes deep in the politics of many countries. Almost to the extent of being banned from some countries.
A conservative cleric that now heads the church. Is a simple man who lived simply as a Cardinal in apartments in the Argentine capital. He is strong advocate of the poor and is against same sex marriages and abortion. Against many of the liberal secular efforts of the government to provide contraceptives and gay adoption. Speaking out against human rights abuses and treatment of the poor. He started off his appearance on the balcony greeting throngs of people that waited for his appearance. Saying in Italian, " Bona Sera. Asking them to pray for him. He is the first Pope taking the name Francis, so there will be no Roman numerals after his name, as we have seen so often in the past.
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