Part of the Christ St Paul’s Lent Series: Into the Wilderness
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During the recent Consistory that was held in the midst of the controversy regarding the documents that were leaked from the Vatican Secretary of State, Benedict XVI wanted cardinals to talk about the new evangelisation. He reminded cardinals about the spirit of service and the importance of humility. The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit of Turinese origin, is a prominent figure within the Latin American Episcopate. In his diocese, Buenos Aires, the Church has, for quite some time now, been going out into the streets, squares and stations to evangelise and administer the sacraments. Vatican Insider interviewed the archbishop, asking him to comment….

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“Pope Francis stands as the figure of unity for all Catholics wherever they reside. The bishops of the United States and the people of our 195 dioceses offer prayers for our new leader and promise allegiance to him,” Cardinal Dolan said. “Intense prayer from all around the world surrounded the election of Pope Francis. The bishops of the United States thank God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the inspired choice of the College of Cardinals.”

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O God of love, we yield thee hearty thanks for whatsoever thou hast given us richly to enjoy; for health of mind and body, for the love and care of home, for the joys of friendship, and for every good gift of happiness and strength. We praise thee for thy servants who by their example and encouragement have helped us on our way, and for every vision of thyself which thou hast given us in sacrament or prayer; and we humbly beseech thee that all these thy benefits we may use in thy service, and to the glory of thy holy name; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord.

So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh– for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

–Romans 8:12-17

Many are asking me what Jorge Bergoglio is really like. He is much more of a Christian, Christ centered and Spirit filled, than a mere churchman. He believes the Bible as it is written.

I have been with him on many occasions and he always makes me sit next to him and invariably makes me take part and often do what he as Cardinal should have done. He is consistently humble and wise, outstandingly gifted yet a common man. He is no fool and speaks out very quietly yet clearly when necessary.

He called me to have breakfast with him one morning and told me very clearly that the Ordinariate [creating by the Catholic Church to accommodate alienated Anglicans] was quite unnecessary and that the church needs us as Anglicans.

I consider this to be an inspired appointment not because he is a close and personal friend but because of who he is In Christ. Pray for him.

From Christianity Today here from a Facebook Comment

Read it all and there is also a Prayer for the New Pope

Translation from Vatican Radio:

Brothers and sisters good evening.

You all know that the duty of the Conclave was to give a bishop to Rome. It seems that my brother Cardinals have gone almost to the ends of the earth to get him”¦ but here we are. I thank you for the welcome that has come from the diocesan community of Rome..

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Vatican press briefing by Federico Lombardi s.j. March 14th

Coverage:
Thursday, March 14th
+ Reuters – New pope slips out of Vatican for morning prayer visit
+ Anglican Ink – Francis a friend to Argentine Anglicans
+ Anglican Ink – Anglican accolades for Francis
+ Independent – Falkland Islanders greet election of Argentine as Pope Francis I with surprise
+ Guardian – Pope Francis: the reaction back home
+ BBC – Profile: Pope Francis
+ Telegraph – Pope Francis: interactive panorama shows thousands thronging St Peter’s Square
Wednesday, March 13th
+ Catholic Herald – Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio: a profile
+ CNS: Argentina’s Cardinal Bergoglio elected pope, chooses Francis
+ Vatican Radio – Who is Pope Francis?
+ Reuters – Live updates with world reaction
+ BBC Live reaction