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Habemus Papam!

We have a Pope! The 76-year-old former Cardinal-Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He has taken the name "Francis." He's the first Latin American Bishop of Rome, and the first member of the Jesuit order elected to this office.

It was a complete surprise. I'm really happy. Honestly, it was harder than I thought it would be, the Inter-Regnum. He is the principium unitatis for the entire People of God. When all who are united to Christ are reconciled to one another, they will also be united to the Successor of Peter. I have always understood my conversion most in terms of my union with my bishop, Archbishop Carlson, and his union with the Bishop of Rome. That's as Catholic as the doctrine of the Trinity, or the Bible.

I was surprised by his age, but the Cardinals and God know what they are doing.

O God, be with our shepherd. Bless him with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Help us to be obedient children, trusting him, and so, trusting You. May he always trust in Your mercy, for himself and all of us. I pray this through Christ, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen.

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