I provided these Twitter tips to Pope Benedict, they're useful for Pope Francis as well
It's a great moment in history, something I can
tell my mum. He's got to get the child abuse under control, I
don't know how they're going to do that. That's big news in Australia. He's got to unite 1,2 billion people.
Striking that the new pope has chosen the name "Francis." This is a little like old-style Kremlinology, but these choices are made with the purpose of sending a message. No pope has been named Francis, and choosing this name can indicate not only a concern with serving the poor (and indeed embracing poverty or asceticism or simplicity, which this pope, as cardinal reputedly did) but also recall: Francis sought a reformation and rebuilding of the church, seeking to act in the world rather than withdraw from it. The implication to me from the choice of a new name, and the name chosen, is that a change is in store.”
Newly elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after being elected by the conclave of cardinals, at the Vatican, March 13, 2013. White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out on Wednesday, signaling that Roman Catholic cardinals had elected a pope to succeed Benedict XVI. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Newly elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after being elected by the conclave of cardinals, at the Vatican, March 13, 2013. REUTERS/Max Rossi
The whole world’s Catholics are living a moment of joy and
communion today. A great hope surrounds the election of Holy Father François.
In a century that is searching for meaning and peace, we all feel that the
speech and influence of the Pope can help bring more light and wisdom to the
human condition.
We share many common
goals – from the promotion of peace, social justice and human rights, to the
eradication of poverty and hunger – all core elements of sustainable
development.
We also share the conviction that we can only resolve the interconnected
challenges of today’s world through dialogue. I am certain that His Holiness
will continue to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in
the promotion of inter-faith dialogue which is at the heart of the Alliance of
Civilizations initiative.
Newly elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
"I am very surprised. I don't know what it means to have an Argentinian #pope,"-Father Astodillo from north Argentina #reuterspope
It’s been a
surprise announcement. The choice of the name Francis is an extraordinary
signal for all of us who live working and dreaming of a Church closer to the
poors. This choice brings hope and herald change. The Holy Spirit has blown (lo
Spirito ha soffiato).
Reporting by Lisa Jucca