When Pope Benedict announced a few weeks ago that he was retiring due to ill health, the entire world turned their attention to the Vatican. While the media speculated over the reasons why Pope Benedict had retired, the Church began its proceedings to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Following a swift decision, Bergoglio has been elected the new leader for the Catholic Church. Conclave, the voting process by which the new Pope is decided, began yesterday. One hundred and fifteen cardinals entered the papal conclave to elect the next Pope.
With white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the Cardinals announced this evening they had elected a new leader.
The new Roman Catholic leader, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, hails from Buenos Aires in Argentina. Born in 1969 to an Italian rail worker and his wife, Bergoglio entered the Catholic Church in March, 1958.
Begoglio succeeded Cardinal Quarracino in 1998 and has been appointed to several administrative positions in the Roman Curia.
The new Pope, like his predecessor, has spoken out about the Church’s position on abortion, euthanasia and homosexuality, claiming the latter was a “destructive pretension against the plan of God.” Despite the hopes many had about a new approach to these matters, it seems the current leader is similar to the last in his viewpoint.
Bergoglio, the 266th Pope, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and addressed the Square that had been waiting eagerly for his appearance. The new Pope will take the name Francis.
