Cardinal bergoglio encouraged crossword
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First reader thoughts on the first Pope Francis
Much of the punditocracy and news coverage in reaction to the election of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis I has focused on the novelty of placing the first Latin American and the first Jesuit -- and the first Francis -- on the Chair of St. Peter. The same goes for readers so far who have sent their reactions to letters@
But whereas journalists and commentators have focused on what Francis’ ascension means for reform at the Vatican and addressing several serious issues -- including priest sex abuse -- readers have reacted as if they were among the throngs of jubilant Catholics at St. Peter’s Square. They warmly welcomed their new pope and noted his humble qualities. Here is a selection of those letters.
Paul Kokoski, a reader and frequent letter writer from Canada, says Francis’ personal attributes will make him a strong defender of the faith:
PHOTOS: Pope Francis
“With deep joy I offer Cardinal Jorge Mar
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There was white smoke over Rome after dark fell there, and bells were tolling. After only a little more than a day, a new Pope had been chosen, on the fifth ballot. An hour of uncertainty passed, then a French cardinal came out and announced, in Latin, the name this Pope was leaving behind: Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and a Jesuit. He got to pick a new name; John Paul I, the Pope of thirty-three days, chose his as a symbol of combining the qualities of Paul VI and John XXIII. So it might matter a good deal that Bergoglio chose Francis, evoking the Saint of Assisi and his commitment to the poor. He will be the first Pope with this name. If that symbol will have to be proven out, the selection of a Pope from Latin America is a more immediate one. It affirms the Church’s transformation, and may give it better footing in the world, if not a grasp of it.
Pope Francis is seventy-six. He reportedly came in second when Benedict XVI was elected. He wa
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Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio elected first Latin American pope
Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis on Wednesday, becoming the first Latin American pontiff in an astonishing decision that raises hopes of greater openness for the troubled Catholic Church.
The year-old railway worker's son emerged smiling onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to cries of "Long live the pope!" and devoted his first prayer to his predecessor Benedict XVI as tens of thousands of pilgrims cheered.
The first non-European pope in nearly 1, years called for "fraternity" among the world's billion Catholics after Benedict's scandal-ridden papacy.
"It seems that my brother cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth (to find a pope)," Francis said, referring to his native Argentina, which erupted in celebrations at his appointment.
"Now, we take up this journey A journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us," he said.
The former Jesuit priest from Buenos Aires had ba