So we have another Holy Father, a new Pope and someone from outside Europe! Like everyone else I'm also putting in my few words of commentary. You can check out John Allen's account of the new pope written before he was elected here.
No matter what he may yet say in clarification (and pace the Jesuits) all Franciscans, and Italians everywhere, will believe he chose Francis as a tribute to the founder of the Franciscan family and the patron saint of Italy. As Franciscans we will have the peculiar experience (for the first time in our history) I referring to our 'Holy Father Francis' meaning the Pope and 'our Holy Father Francis' meaning St. Francis.
I hope that he does have both the holiness and 'fire in the belly', the strength of character to lead the Church along the path our Lord indicates for us. I got the impression watching him on that balcony that not only was he overawed and stunned at this outcome but also a little lost. Perhaps he will be another John Paul I? He is 76 so he will not likely hold the office for twenty or more years. All we can do is pray, fast and be faithful.
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