I understand Pope Francis (The New Pope: Bergoglio of Argentinais) from Venezuala and that it has been 1200 years since the Pope was elected from out of Europe.

I think it is so cool that finally someone from the "New World" was elected, what a change! Used to be generally assumed the Pope would be Italian, then we got a Pope from Poland, that was a first in hundreds of years. And now an Argentinian, and one who understands and actually lived among the poor, what a concept. A social reformer for sure, but not a Liberation Theologian by any means. He seems to be a humble man, not a church politician--look at the choice of the name Francis, after Francis of Assisi, saint of the poor and of animals. I think he may be more "interesting" than the Curia expects, and may shake some things up. But anyone holding their breath for women priests or married clergy probably will be turning blue for the next several hundred years yet, hee hee hee. Ah, well, it's always been thus, and I do speak from long experience with this particular institution. Best of luck to him, it's one of the world's toughest jobs. Hugs to all, Marji

I am so glad the world did not have a long wait to have a new pope. I hope he will be able to revitalize the Catholics and the world.

yes and in a short time election. Let's hope and pray he will be a great Pope for the whole world.