Poor man : I don't envy him. He walks in the shadow of the Cross. I must pray for him before going to sleep. We must all pray for him, God bless him.
I agree- we must hold Pope Francis up in prayer. He seems to be a good and holy man. I think he is counting on our prayers!
I started the Novena of Grace March 4th it ended the 12th,..that novena came to us by St. Francis Xavier,....I think it worked!
Oh the followers of MDM are saying such horrible things about him! Not even his first day as pope and they are calling him the False Prophet... that he was displaying false humility... and saying they will not follow him. It is so sad. Personally I loved him from the moment I saw him. I pray he will lead the flock to the Kingdom of God.
In 2010, when Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage, Cardinal Bergoglio encouraged clergy across the country to tell Catholics to protest against the legislation because, if enacted, it could “seriously injure the family,” he said.
Looks like we have a strong "Marian" Pope,..praised be the Holy Trinity ! It is very sad people that people will not follow him. On the news in the crowd were two women with "ordain women" who were hopeing for Pope who will bring change. There will be division. But the faithful remnant will persevere...
I am so happy that we have a new and Holy Pope chosen by God himself. When I heard about him taking the bus, I thought... Yes! You are the ONE!!! I have felt like an orphan this last couple of weeks.. Our church is complete again. Even if just remnant Church, it is complete..
José Mariá Poirier explains why the self-effacing Archbishop of Buenos Aires may well be the next pope What a surprise: it turns out that the main opponent to the unstoppable Joseph Ratzinger in the April conclave was none other than the severe, shy figure of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. The revelation comes in the “secret diary” of one of their colleagues in the Casa Santa Marta – a cardinal’s account of the election published recently in an Italian magazine. The spotlight the news has placed on Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio – whether or not it is true – will be agony for this notoriously media-shy Jesuit, whose face will have gone even redder with the speculation by vaticanisti that Bergoglio should now be seen as the leading contender to replace Benedict XVI when his time comes: the first Jesuit, and the first Latin American, in Church history to occupy the See of St Peter. For Bergoglio’s enemies, the revelation will come as no surprise. It only proves, they will say, what we thought all along: that behind all that humility what Bergoglio really cares about is ambition. But for almost everyone else it does seem remarkable that a relatively obscure South American cardinal should have been an obstacle in the path of the great German theologian and former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The “secret diary” suggests that Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, the former Archbishop of Milan and the standard-bearer for the progressive cardinals, asked not to be taken into consideration for reasons of age and health. His votes (around 40, according to the diary) went instead to Bergoglio, who was seen as the best hope for those who wanted, for whatever reason, to stop Ratzinger. Although the Bergoglio vote was not enough to stop Ratzinger, it prevented the German sweeping the board in the first two rounds. Bergoglio as Pope? Perhaps it is not so surprising. There was much talk, in John Paul II’s final years, that his successor should be a Latin American; the feeling was widespread that the continent’s hour was near. Bergoglio would be a safe bet: at 69 he is relatively young, and comes with many virtues: he is austere, doctrinally solid, and with a proven track record in Church governance, as Jesuit provincial, then auxiliary bishop and Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Bergoglio’s star shone in Rome when he replaced Cardinal Edward Egan as relator for the September 2001 synod after the Archbishop of New York had to dash back to his traumatised city. The Argentinian moved easily and with great confidence into the role, leaving a favourable impression as a man open to communion and dialogue. But there is little else in public view, the modest glimpses of Bergoglio only serving to heighten his enigmatic profile. The newspapers have rightly stressed that he is modest, dressing mostly as a simple priest; that he always travels on the bus or metro rather than by taxi or with a chauffeur; and that he regularly travels to the furthest ends of his three million-strong diocese, preferably to visit the poor. And then, of course, there is that Trappist silence. His press secretary, a young priest, spends his time interpreting what the Cardinal does not say. The other part of his job is to turn down, on Bergoglio’s behalf, interviews or invitations to write articles. The Archbishop of Buenos Aires has almost no published work, and seems to become less visible with each passing year. When he does speak, however – in the annual Te Deums preached from the cathedral – it is dramatic. Bergoglio thunders like an Old Testament prophet; the government quakes in its boots. What is certain is that he is not loved by most of his Jesuit companions. They remember him as their provincial during the violence of the 1970s, when the army came to power amid a breakdown in the political system after the death of General Peron. Apart of the Church in Argentina was involved in the theology of liberation and opposed the military government. Bergoglio was not. “After a war,” he was heard to say, “you have to act firmly.” He exercised his authority as provincial with an iron fist, calmly demanding strict obedience and clamping down on critical voices. Many Jesuits complained that he considered himself the sole interpreter of St Ignatius of Loyola, and to this day speak of him warily. The secular clergy of his diocese, however, love their archbishop. As auxiliary bishop in Buenos Aires in the 1990s, he managed always to be with his priests, keeping them company through crises and difficulties and showing his great capacity for listening sympathetically (I have heard many stories of Bergoglio spending hours with elderly sick priests.) He also continued to show his option for the poor by encouraging priests to step out into the deep in intellectual and artistic areas: Bergoglio has never hidden a passion for literature. Ironically, it is the same Bergoglio who, as Jesuit provincial, demanded absolute obedience and political neutrality, as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires wants his priests to be “out on the frontiers”, as he puts Cardinal Bergoglio regularly travels to the furthest ends of his three million-strong diocese to visit the poor it. He wants them in the neediest barrios, in the hospitals accompanying Aids sufferers, in the popular kitchens for children. To take one example: when, last year, a number of young people died in a fire in a rock club tragedy, Bergoglio went to their aid in the middle of the night, arriving before the police and fire service, and long before the city authorities. Since the tragedy, one of his auxiliaries has a ministry to the family and friends of the victims, and has not been backward in criticising the government for its response to the tragedy. Bergoglio is admired as being far from the powers of this world, indifferent to his media image, preoccupied by the future of society, and a man looking always for new forms of social solidarity and justice in a country where 15 per cent are unemployed and thousands rummage through the bins at night looking for something to eat. The media do not punish him for his silence, but speak of him with awe and respect. Many, including agnostic critics of the Church, regard him as the most credible social leader in a country in which, it ought to be said, politicians, union leaders and businessmen are regarded with considerable scepticism. Where do his political sympathies lie? Certainly not on the Left. Those who know him best would consider him on the moderate Right, close to that strand of popular Peronism which is hostile to liberal capitalism. In the economic crisis of 2001-2002, when Argentina defaulted on its debt, people came out on to the streets and supermarkets were looted, Bergoglio was quick to denounce the neo-liberal banking system which had left Argentina with an unpayable debt. The same people who would say he was apolitical would be quick to add that he can move pieces along with the best chess-player. Soon after his appointment to lead his diocese he appointed six new auxiliary bishops, all people well-known to him and loyal. His style of government is discreet, but decisive. A chemist by training, born to a working family of Italian origin in a traditional middle-class quarter of Buenos Aires, he was for many years in charge of the formation of young Jesuits. He is without doubt the strong man of the Argentinian Church, almost certain to be elected president of the bishops’conference at its next meeting. With his suave manners and gentle voice, Bergoglio is not a theologian or an outstanding intellectual nor a polyglot (although he can cope with foreign languages), but he moves in all milieux securely and ably, especially in Rome. Whenever I have met him, I have been struck by his astonishing paucity of words – even more remarkable in an Argentinian – and his hieratic gestures, but also by his intelligent gaze, his obvious spirituality, and his constant preoccupation with the poor. If he were Pope? Everything suggests that his approach would be above all pastoral, which is what a number of the cardinals were looking for in the conclave. He would govern the Curia with a sure hand, as he does his diocese. He would likely take a firm stand with the powerful of this world. But the modern-day media demands on the papacy would be a torture for this most retiring of Church leaders. A few facts about him. Firstly he is modest and loves simplicity. He refused a chauffeur and travelled by bus when Archbishop in Argentina. In 2001 he washed and kissed the feet of AIDS victims in a hospice- one of many such acts displaying a deep love of the poor. He was condemned by the government for his strong stand in supporting marriage and is doctrinally very sound. It is said he has an awe of deep holiness about him. Might we have a man to stand as a real sign of contradiction to our shallow celebrity culture of self? I rather think we do. Pasted from <http://www.tunbridgewells-ordinariate.com/blog/?m=201303>
I'd say he's definately Mother Mary's son.. his episcopal motto--- Miserando Atque Eligendo--Lowly and yet Chosen
FOR THOSE WHO SO QUICKLY CONDEMN THIS POPE,READ THIS BEAUTIFUL LETTER HE WROTE: Letter of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, to the Carmelite Nuns of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires (June 22, 2010)] Dear Sisters, I write this letter to each one of you in the four Monasteries of Buenos Aires. The Argentine people must face, in the next few weeks, a situation whose result may gravely harm the family. It is the bill on matrimony of persons of the same sex. The identity of the family, and its survival, are in jeopardy here: father, mother, and children. The life of so many children who will be discriminated beforehand due to the lack of human maturity that God willed them to have with a father and a mother is in jeopardy. A clear rejection of the law of God, engraved in our hearts, is in jeopardy. I recall words of Saint Thérèse when she speaks of the infirmity of her childhood. She says that the envy of the Devil tried to extort her family after her older sister joined the Carmel. Here, the envy of the Devil, through which sin entered the world, is also present, and deceitfully intends to destroy the image of God: man and woman, who receive the mandate to grow, multiply, and conquer the earth. Let us not be naive: it is not a simple political struggle; it is an intention [which is] destructive of the plan of God. It is not a mere legislative project (this is a mere instrument), but rather a "move" of the father of lies who wishes to confuse and deceive the children of God. Jesus tells us that, in order to defend us from this lying accuser, he will send us the Spirit of Truth. Today, the Nation [patria], before this situation, needs the special assistance of the Holy Ghost that may place the light of Truth amid the shadows of error; it needs this Advocate who may defend us from the enchantment of so many sophisms with which this bill is being justified, and which confuse and deceive even people of good will. That is why I turn to you and ask from you prayer and sacrifice, the two invincible weapons which Saint Thérèse confessed to have. Cry out to the Lord that he may send his Spirit to the Senators who are to place their votes. That they may not do it moved by error or by circumstantial matters, but rather according to what the natural law and the law of God tell them. Pray for them, for their families; that the Lord may visit, strengthen, and console them. Pray that they may do great good for the Nation. This bill will be discussed in the Senate after July 13. Let us look towards Saint Joseph, to Mary, the Child, and let us ask with fervor that they will defend the Argentine family in this moment. Let us recall what God himself told his people in a time of great anguish: "this war is not yours, but God's". That they may succour, defend, and accompany us in this war of God. Thank you for what you will do in this struggle for the Nation. And, please, I beg you, pray for me also. May Jesus bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin protect you. Affectionately, Card. Jorge Mario Bergoglio s.j., Archbishop of Buenos Aires
Thank God for this man... I don't care where he comes from, could come from mars and have purple and green spots for all I care, as long as he does God's will.. Not that I believe in aliens..
From my blog post for the day... We have a new Pope. I have some random thoughts about this, colored by a conversation with my sister, a little bit of Fox News, and from reading interviews with Pope Francis from 2012 and earlier. I am no expert, but it was obvious that many of the pundits on Fox weren't either, so here goes... As an Argentinian, this election sends a clear message to those of us in the Western Hemisphere. The church isn't completely Euro-centric anymore. But since he's not from the U.S., it reminds us in the states to be a little less jingoistic in our view of ourselves as American Catholics. (It's not all about us!) He stated in an interview with Andrea Tornielli, " The cardinalate is a service, it is not an award to be bragged about. Vanity, showing off, is an attitude that reduces spirituality to a worldly thing, which is the worst sin that could be committed in the Church." This will be a humble Pope. He chose the name Francis, which he did not explain. Francis of Assisi stripped himself naked in the city square to prove to everyone there that he was renouncing all worldly possessions. Our Pope has chosen to renounce the Archbishop's Palace in favor of an apartment. He hasn't owned a car, preferring to take the bus. He cooks for himself. Saint Francis of Assisi cared for animals, built a chapel and founded an order with strict rules on poverty and prayer. Perhaps this signals that we should care for all of God's creatures, and embrace the simple life. If he chose the name Francis because he's a Jesuit, then he's thinking St. Francis Xavier. This Francis went East to Asia to bring Catholicism to Goa in India, Indonesia and Japan. This could be a message to the Chinese that he is not going to tolerate the persecution of Catholics, the one child policy, or government appointed 'catholic' bishops. Or because Goa was then a Portuguese colony, it may be another connection to Fatima. Or both. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit Pope, and the order has problems. Some say he was appointed bishop by John Paul II because the liberal leaders of his order were persecuting him. He is unrelentingly against contraception, abortion, and gay marriage, which would make him different from many Jesuits. The Jesuits have a Pope now, from their own order. I hope and pray they will follow him. He was chosen on the 13th of March. Many Catholics will see in this a message from the conclave that the Virgin Mary is guiding their choice. The 13th of the month has been seen as Mary's day since her apparitions at Fatima. In a 24-hour news cycle, two days of voting can seem like a long time. The Drudge Report had a headline this morning saying something about the smoke still being black. In fact, two days is lightning fast at the Vatican. That means there was probably a strong consensus going in to the conclave. He will say his first Mass as Pope on the Feast of St. Joseph, who cared for, protected and loved Mary and Jesus. Pope Francis will be calling on his intercession as he takes on the role of father for his flock. Finally, a personal thought. Pope Francis eschewed some of the pomp of his new vocation by bowing humbly to those in Saint Peter's Square and asking them to pray. As I watched this several times, I was struck by the expression on his face. He was not smiling really, but seemed to be almost overcome with something deeper. I thought at one point that he would cry. Or all of the above. Or none of the above. Let's do as Pope Francis asks and pray for him. The job ahead of him could surely be overwhelming. God bless you Pope Francis. May the Most Holy Mother of God wrap you in her mantle to protect you.
Viva el Papa! Viva el Papa! Viva el Papa! Viva el Papa! Viva el Papa! Viva el Papa! Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
To those who are already bashing our new Pope: I hope we are not judged so quickly and on so little evidence when our time comes. Trust me, I can dig one or two people who hate you, and if they wrote about you, is that they way you would be fairly judged ? Catholics can be the most Unchristian people sometimes.
