Seriously, where do we keep finding men like this in an age of such corruption and mediocrity, including in the Church itself?
His resume? Typical Jesuit over-achiever: Master's in Chemistry, then studied philosophy and theology. Taught literature, psychology and theology Jesuit provincial in Argentina for awhile, until Pope John Paul II made him a bishop and stuck him onto the Congregations for Divine Worship, Religious Life, Congregation for Clergy, Congregation for the Family, etc. Speaks Spanish, Italian, German, French, decent English and some Portuguese.
Known in Argentina for his service to the poor (one Holy Thursday he went and washed the feet of AIDS patients in a hospice), his personal humility and simplicity (sold the episcopal mansion, eschewed a chauffer and took the bus to work, episcopal motto: "lowly but chosen") -- and also, when it was thrust on him, for being a staunch defender of the family and traditional sexual morality. A critic in Argentina of luxury and corruption -- but also of Marxism.
Here's what seems to be a typical comment, based on how often it's quoted:
In our ecclesiastical region there are priests who don’t baptize the children of single mothers because they weren’t conceived in the sanctity of marriage,” Bergoglio told his priests. “These are today’s hypocrites. Those who clericalize the Church. Those who separate the people of God from salvation. And this poor girl who, rather than returning the child to sender, had the courage to carry it into the world, must wander from parish to parish so that it’s baptized!”Chaput the Great welcomes the appointment:
Bergoglio compared this concept of Catholicism to the Pharisees of Christ’s time: people who congratulate themselves while condemning others.
“Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit,” Bergoglio said.
Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Bergoglio, is a man from the new heartland of the global Church; a priest of extraordinary intellectual and cultural strengths; a man deeply engaged in the issues of contemporary life and able to speak to the modern heart; open to the new realities the Church faces; and rooted in a deep love of Jesus Christ. He is a wonderful choice; a pastor God sends not just to the Church but to every person of good will who honestly yearns for justice, peace and human dignity in our time. May God grant him courage and joy, and sustain him with his divine presence.This evening he led the faithful in prayers for the Pope Emeritus, then asked for a moment of silent prayer for him before imparting the Urbe et Orbi blessing.
And now let us begin this journey, the Bishop and the people, this journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches, a journey of brotherhood in love, of mutual trust. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the whole world that there might be a great sense of brotherhood. My hope is that this journey of the Church that we begin today, together with the help of my Cardinal Vicar, may be fruitful for the evangelization of this beautiful city.
And now I would like to give the blessing. But first I want to ask you a favour. Before the Bishop blesses the people I ask that you would pray to the Lord to bless me – the prayer of the people for their Bishop. Let us say this prayer – your prayer for me – in silence.
Ad multos annos, Pope Francis!
Update: GREAT commentary via Aussie correspondent Brett McS.
Upper-date: Not the greatest translation, but still a window into what's in store: Card. Bergoglio's Lenten Letter; Sandro Magister's profile from about 10 years ago.
