New Pope Elected: Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina becomes Pope Francis!

[JoJo]

Yes, it's happened far faster than anyone expected. Whether you are Catholic, another religion or irreligious, one of the most memorable events of 2013 has come to a head, the election of a new pope. Just a few minutes ago white smoke emerged from the Sistine chapel.

19:15 Update [HEADING=2]All hail Francis![/HEADING]

The first pope from South America and first from outside Europe for over a thousand year, first Jesuit pope too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21777494

So, what are your thoughts on the new pope?

 

[Fappy]

Since they haven't said who yet there really isn't much to say. Despite being a Catholic I know nothing of Vatican politics, so I have no idea who is all expected to be the next pope. It is a bit surprising they have decided already though. It took them a lot longer last time if I remember correctly.

 

[Queen Michael]

PleasebeBatmanpleasebeBatmanpleasebeBatman

 

[lRookiel]

I saw a news report on this it was SO FUNNY.

The correspondent said this and I quote. "We have to find a candidate that hasn't been tainted by the child sex abuse crisis" My sides hurt.

 

[AnarchistFish]

just as long as he's not italian

 

[Colour Scientist]

I'm so disappointed, I was sure I'd get a call-back for that one!

 

[Images]

Archbishop of Beunos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Michael Bergoglio is now Pope Francis the 1st

 

[PsychicTaco115]

This is pretty interesting, a Jesuit being made Pope

Apparently, those guys aren't all that popular (I've heard)

 

[AnarchistFish]

oh come on Argentine is basically Italian

 

[Calibanbutcher]

Just remember you guys:
If the Pope sees his shadow upon sticking his furry little head out the vatican, we'll have 7 more weeks of winter

 

[Sixcess]

From a quick read of his Wikipedia entry he's unlikely to be a liberal, in as much as a Pope could be a liberal, I guess.

I wonder if his choice of Francis I is intentionally suggestive of a fresh start. Whatever he says in regard to the other hot issues he really has to instigate some serious internal reform to deal with the abuse scandals, otherwise his papacy will be a complete waste of time.

Oh, and the name Jorge makes me think of the old blind monk in The Name of the Rose. Not a terrific association to make but at least it's better than Palpatine.

 

[Fappy]

Isn't this the same guy that almost got elected last time? That's pretty cool. Nice to see them elect a pope from outside Europe. Catholicism is likely more prominent in that part of the world at this rate anyway.

 

[Darks63]

Bout time a non European got it since there are far more Catholics in SA and Africa the Europe nowadays.

 

[chiefohara]

I went to look up wikipedia on him and they had to lock the page from being edited

Checked it twice and more and more information is pouring out on him.. a lot of it negative sadly :/

 

[SckizoBoy]

oh come on Argentine is basically Italian

Nah, not Italian... Spanish, however, sure!

PleasebeBatmanpleasebeBatmanpleasebeBatman

Could you imagine Batman in the red shoes?!

Come to think about it... Neo is the only 'superhero' I know of who wears a cassock... anyone know any others??

Bout time a non European got it since there are far more Catholics in SA and Africa the Europe nowadays.

Quite true... especially considering how secularised much of western Europe is.

Anyway... as a liberal Protestant (of no determined conformation), giant insincere *yay*... He's got a tough few months ahead of him, that's for sure... :/

 

[AnarchistFish]

oh come on Argentine is basically Italian

Nah, not Italian... Spanish, however, sure!

Argentine are Italians who speak Spanish

 

[sextus the crazy]

I saw a news report on this it was SO FUNNY.

The correspondent said this and I quote. "We have to find a candidate that hasn't been tainted by the child sex abuse crisis" My sides hurt.

this is better than anything I could have said. Bravo.

 

[Albino Boo]

They have elected a 76 year old man as spot gap because the Liberals and Conservative blocks wont agree on a younger
Pope who will live long enough to make significant changes.

oh come on Argentine is basically Italian

Nah, not Italian... Spanish, however, sure!

His parents were Italian immigrants. Argentina was almost as big destination for immigration as the US, that was before Peronism wrecked the economy. Even Peron's family was from Sardinian.

 

[lRookiel]

I saw a news report on this it was SO FUNNY.

The correspondent said this and I quote. "We have to find a candidate that hasn't been tainted by the child sex abuse crisis" My sides hurt.

this is better than anything I could have said. Bravo.

What was so funny about it was the way he said it. He said it like it was rare to NOT find a candidate who had been molesting children. Good gripes I haven't laughed at the news so much EVER. xD

 

[SckizoBoy]

Argentine are Italians who speak Spanish

*snrk*

His parents were Italian immigrants. Argentina was almost as big destination for immigration as the US, that was before Peronism wrecked the economy. Even Peron's family was from Sardinian.

Since I know next to nothing about the guy, I was looking at his name, then 'Argentina' seemed a bit weird, since his entire name (except maybe 'Jorge'... 'Giorgio'?? *shrug*) is Italian. And huh... thanks for the factoid...

And since they're Italian (after a fashion), can they lay off the Falklands now?! ¬_¬