Categories: uncategorized
Date: 02 April 2013 16:36:20
Jorge Mario Bergoglio is Argentinian born of Italian parentage. He was previously Cardinal-Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He is a Jesuit (a member of the Society of Jesus, set up by St Ignatius Loyola), and has so far demonstrated the essence of Jesuit dedication to a humble life, wherever they are sent. He seesm to have been able to tailor his living situation at the Vatican to his own tastes so far, but he will not be able to travel on the bus or walk any more, due to security. He is already giving his security staff palpatations and headaches as it is! It has given us some wonderful sights so far. I am not sure about his comment "Carnival time is over" when he refused the red cape over his white vestments when he was presented to the faithful for the first time. It has been said that Benedict XVI liked the extras, if you like, but I'm not convinced such an open dig at him was helpful. The choice of the name Francis (after St Francis of Assisi) by the new pope is a positive one, expressing humility, and definitely supporting the passionate stance in defence of the poor and vulnerable in society that he has taken, which of course, from my perspective, is fantastic. Doctrinally he is conservative, however, so those wishing to see a move in favour of gay marriage or a widening role for women in the RC church, may well be disappointed, I fear. A lot of commentators commented that Francis had made his inaugural mass simpler, by only having a select group of cardinals pay homage to him, instead of all of them. I have to point out that Benedict XVI did something similar. He definitely did not have all the cardinals paying homage. John Paul II was the last to do this. Francis' homilies, be it at mass, general audiences, anywhere, will be good to listen to translations of, from my perspective. He is so supportive of those who are less fortunate, and that can never be a bad thing. Did see a bit of Ganswein, so that'd always a good thing too, never to be complained about. I will say though, if you like Guido Marini, the bespectacled Papal Master of Ceremonies, who is always at the Pope's side in public, then this is your time!! NB; for those of you bristling at my use of Wikipedia for info on St Ignatius Loyola, the new Pope and St Francis of Assisi; chill out. I know the issues with Wikipedia (I am educated to MA level) and the fact that college and uni lecturers don't like it. However, I think it's a great first stop to assist your research, expecially if you start out knowing diddly. The references at the end of the dcouments can provide useful links to other sites too, so check this out before you judge or complain!.