New Pope

Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis.  There are a couple of interesting facts in this first sentence.  Pope Francis is a Jesuit, an order founded by Ignatius of Loyola.  And yet, he took the name of a holy man who founded the Franciscans, the Order of Clare and the Poor Clares. 

Francis and his sister were from Assisi, a lovely area of Italy, and though extremely holy, Francis never did become a priest.  As far as a local connection is concerned, the Poor Clares are the nuns who live at Sancta Clara on Market Avenue in Canton.  The most famous Poor Clare is Mother Angelica, who did live at Sancta Clara and is from Canton.

Pope Francis appears to be very humble, and those who know him say that is so.  He mingled with the people, rode the bus, and ashewed the trappings of being a Cardinal.  His work was centered in Argentina, and he was born there, but the Italians are also celebrating because Pope Francis's father was Italian and emigrated to Argentina.  He was a railroad worker.

As time goes by, we will learn much more about Pope Francis and how his time as Pope will affect the Catholic Church, to which 75 million Americans belong.  A rather surprising fact, though, is that of the 75 million American Catholics, more than 12 million of them were not born in the United States.

Pope Francis asked for prayers.  What an awesome responsibility he has.

Have a wonderful day!  I'll post something tomorrow, but then I am off to Cleveland for a visit with my sister.