Pope Benedict XVI

I have to wait THAT long?
Oh well I've marked it on my calendar we'll just have to see if you have it right or not wont we - you are all going to look so silly when it doesnt happen

It's all over. No ZOMG!!!! Peter the Roman!!!!

First South American pope ever, and he'll be taking the name Francis.

So much for doomsday prophesiers. I'm sure they'll find something else on which to hang their hat soon enough.

They'll be a new one before you know it!

This was a smart move by the church. Since the majority of Chatholics are Latin decent or Spanish speaking (just a fact) why not vote someone in of the same decent. Church does need the money.

The majority of the world's Catholics live in South America, so yes, it was a very smart move by the conclave to elect the cardinal from Argentina.

Well, I think the new Pope is a disappointment. After reading about his comments (in his home country of Argentina) on adoption, and who he thinks qualify to adopt children, and who he thinks should not be able to adopt children, it's pretty sad. Was hoping for a modern Pope who could envoke some positive change, but I don't see that happening.

And why aren't they putting the pediphile priests in prison? It's appalling. Will anything be done about that now? Will this new Pope address the scandal/corruption? I wonder...

The church does not need money.... they are the wealthiest organization in the world. Too bad some of that wealth could not be shared more in helping the poor people in the world.

Are you Catholic, Remali? If not, I fail to see how him not being progressive will affect you. Even if you are, it won't affect you at all if you're an American citizen. The American Catholics are considered upstarts.

As far as putting the pedophile priests in prison that's hardly up to the Church, it's up to local law enforcement. The Church did some covering up which was scandalous and inexcusable, but unfortunately there's a statute of limitations on pedophilia charges. That's why those men are still free and roaming around. The good/bad thing about it is that they won't stop their perverse acts, so hopefully somewhere down the line someone will be able to get them put away.

When it comes to 'spreading the wealth' the Catholics aren't the only ones who need to step up more. Every organized religion should, starting with the Mormons and Baptists.

The rights of others effects ALL of us. His views about adoption will effect a LOT of people everywhere. They set the tone for what goes on here in the U.S. As well (how can I get the the "A" in "as" to not be capitalized on here?). And, really, I am concerned about the rights of people everywhere, not just where I happen to live. I was not merely referring to "progressive", I was referring to his comment about gays and adoption, it was a nasty comment.

And while I agree that all religions/churches should step up to the plate, it is still a fact that the Catholic church is the wealthiest, by a long shot. According to the Washington Times... quote:"The Catholic church is among the richest organizations in the world (if not the richest). Its yearly income is larger than the income of the five largest U.S. Corporations COMBINED."
It certainly would not kill them to do more.

Well, w/o a full accounting of what, exactly, the catholic church does w the donations it collects, no one can know what more they could do - and what they "should do" with it is a matter of opinion.

I think it is a pure waste of time to report on the "pope picking" process. I went to the dentist 2 days ago and it was on the news non-stop. Honestly, I think a two minute announcement on the status once a day would be sufficient - until the dealing is done.

I read that it is only like 40% that live in South America.
Has anyone noticed this new Pope is 78 yrs old and has
Had one lung removed. Doesn't sound like he was elected
To last long either.

It doesn't matter who is Pope. They all are guided by the Church's beliefs. Even if society accepts gay marriage, gays adopting, abortion, birth control, pre-maritial sex & any other number of things the church will not change. It's a religion. As long as there are followers there is no need for it to change.
After all this time we still don't even see women in any higher church position & priests aren't allowed to marry.