What do we know about Bergoglio?
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected the new pope. Reuters isreporting that he took the name Pope Francis.
What do we know about Bergoglio?
In 2005, the Post reported that Bergoglio was seen as a strong contender to succeed Pope John Paul II:
Bergoglio, the son of middle-class Italian immigrants, became the first Jesuit archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was appointed cardinal three years later.His conservative leanings on doctrinal and spiritual issues are widely seen as in keeping with the legacy of John Paul. He opposes abortion and supports celibacy among priests, and he has called for tightening the church’s hierarchical structure to ease internal dissent.A popular and well-known activist, Bergoglio has championed social programs and won respect for questioning free-market policies, which he blames for leaving millions of Argentines impoverished. During one of his final Masses before departing for the conclave that begins Monday in Rome, appreciative throngs chanted “Viva Bergoglio!” after his sermon honoring John Paul.
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Homosexuality
He has affirmed church teaching on homosexuality, though he teaches the importance of respecting individuals who are homosexual. He strongly opposed legislation introduced in 2010 by the Argentine Government to allow same-sex marriage, calling it a "real and dire anthropological throwback".[8] In a letter to the monasteries of Buenos Aires, he wrote: "Let's not be naive, we're not talking about a simple political battle; it is a destructive pretension against the plan of God. We are not talking about a mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God." He has also insisted that adoption by homosexuals is a form of discrimination against children. This position received a rebuke from Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who said the church's tone was reminiscent of "medieval times and the Inquisition".[9]
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