The world witnessed the first non-European cardinal in modern history rise to the papacy on Wednesday, March 13. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (76) of Argentina chose the name Pope Francis after being elected the Roman Catholic Church’s 266th leader on the second day of the papal conclave.
Graziano Marcheschi, Executive Director of University Ministry at Saint Xavier University, said he is pleased with the election and offered his thoughts and analysis.
“We have a pope who is closely aligned with the poor, who is closely aligned with most Catholics,” said Marcheshi referring to Bergoglio’s work with the poor in the developing world, where a large majority of Catholics live. “He has the heart of a third world person.”
Marcheschi believes the cardinals elected Bergoglio pope for three main reasons. First, because he is “a man of prayer,” and the cardinals desired and needed a “holy man.”
Second, Marcheschi believes the new pontiff helps “bridge” the gap between more conservative and more progressive members in the church. While Bergoglio is conservative on traditional church doctrine, strongly opposing gay marriage and abortions for example, he is “committed to social justice” and a concentration on aiding the poor.
Finally, Marcheschi calls Bergoglio “an evangelist who preaches the gospel with authenticity.” The new pope was known to live in a simple apartment in Buenos Aires, cook for himself and take public transportation while cardinal. Marcheschi thus calls Bergoglio a “man of humility” who lives the gospel.
Despite the fact that South America contains a growing number of the world’s Catholics, Marcheschi maintains that the cardinals did not choose Bergoglio because he is from that continent, instead believing that they chose him because he is a man possessing the qualities outlined above. “He just happened to be from Argentina.”
Bergoglio is the first pope in history to choose the name Francis. This name can either refer to Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) or Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552). Only Bergoglio can say for sure to which saint his name is connected.
The new pontiff is also the first man from the Jesuit order to be elected pope. His inauguration Mass will take place on Tuesday, March 19.
Tony Bara
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