The Catholic Church selected the new Pope, Francis I. He’s the first non-European pope. He’s from Argentina (but his parents are Italian). Pre-pope name: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
I know everyone is asking,
“Why did it take so long to select an non-European pope?”
It took over 2000 years (although, Peter, the first “pope,” wasn’t European).
Yes, that’s a great question, but let’s applaud this bold move outside of “The Continent.”
My question is,
“Why did it take so long for a pope to take the name of Francis?”
The new pope is named after one of my heroes of faith, Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). (See God Behaving Badly, pages 91-92). Francis valued a simple lifestyle (see image), a focus on Jesus and a connection to God through creation that the Church could learn a lot from today.
I don’t know much about Pope Francis I (he’s 76- so he may not be around long), but I really like his choice of a name.
What do you think of the new Pope?
David T. Lamb 
I just heard that the new Pope isn’t named after Francis of Assisi, but after Francis Xavier. The original news reports were wrong, which was what I was following. Xavier is a great name, but I greatly prefer Assisi as a role model.
I should have picked up the problem in the original news stories. He’s a Jesuit and Xavier founded the Jesuit order. He wouldn’t be named after the founder of a “rival” order, the Franciscans.
I’ve been calling him Pope Frank to give him a more contemporary feel. I continue to pray for an authentic Christian Pope.
It is great to see a worthy non-European man become Pope. I guess I am see why it took the Vatican so long. Most of he growth in Catholicism has been in Africa and Latim America.
Some people feel the Pope is the Anti-Christ..
Kim, I like Pope Frank. We’ll see if it catches on.
Ernie, yes it’s about time.
Julie, I don’t think he’s the anti-Christ. Do you? Although, Jesus did call Peter, “Satan”–as in “Get behind me.” (Mark 8:33). So, now you got me thinking.