TO: Ed Burke-3968875 who wrote:

"I wanted Mel Gibson."

LOL

I thought Mel is an athiest?

May God bless our new Pope and continue to bless all of us!!!!

I was looking for the third box, "Don't Care".

JobSeeker then why may I ask did you read the article? I find it amazing the number of people who claim he is meaningless but at the same time keep reading the articles. If he was someone you could ignore then you would have.

He has a chemistry degree? Not bad!

david....I also read the comic page. It's funny.

In retrospect, Francis was probably a good choice in that Europe has had a choke hold on the papacy since the beginning. It is way past time for some new blood from a different part of the world!

I guess. But , why do popes wear dresses? Now he can wear red shoes with his dresses.

What kind of a poll is this, really. How many people "voting" have a clue about this gentleman, one way or the other? "The masses have spoken"? And that's somehow supposed to lend credence to the result? Many of you are easier to make happy than I realized.

What kind of a poll is this, really? How many people "voting" have a clue about this gentleman, one way or the other? "The masses have spoken"? And that's somehow supposed to lend credence to the result? Many of you are easier to make happy than I realized.

Are they going to do a redo if your poll goes against them? Can we twitter next on whether we like or dislike gravity? This is truly stupid. And yes I commented just to say so.

I thought Mel was an atheist

Well, he sure doesn't act that way. He built his own Catholic Church with his movie proceeds. Unfortunately, he also picked up a lot of racist tendencies from his even-more ultra conservative Catholic father (a true nutjob).

"He's a Jesuit! 'Nuf said! We are in good hands!"

Yea, and we're trying to get away from that.

STexan,

Based on the short comments I think at least those who saw this as a good choice have a pretty good understanding of what this new Pope is about. As Cheetah says, if you know anything about the Jesuits, you know enough about this man. I have no doubt that many are not familiar with them, but those who are, understand. To me, the Jesuits epitomize true Christians. They are all about what Jesus Christ stood for and how he lived his life. They are not exactly your Bible thumpers and view the Old Testament in a different light than do your evangelical types. For them, Christianity is all about what Jesus taught.

I'm not a religious person per se, but I do have the education and understand it. I think most Catholics probably know about the Jesuits. Clearly a lot of people do based on the positive comments. To have someone like this today when the massive disparity between the wealthy and the poor is just growing, is a good thing for the world. For Christians, whether Catholic or not, I think he will send the right messages in this regard. If he can inspire some to do the right things, it will be good.

I always find it somewhat interesting in that many non-Catholic Christians seem to view the Pope as a meaningless person. Yet to the rest of the world including non-Christians, they view the Pope as the voice of Christianity. His position may be as the head of the Catholic church, and in that regard he makes the call on Catholic religious rules, but it is really much more than that. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that other Christian religions are splinter groups from Catholicism. They started mainly because they didn't like some Catholic rule. That is not to say that the Catholic church has always displayed the true Christian attitude, but anyone without religious bias understands that the Catholic church and the Pope represents Christianity far more so than some radical Baptist preacher full of hate.

This Pope is much in line with and highly regarded by John Paul II, who has been recognized across the world as one of the most highly regarded leaders of our time, religious or not.

Sad, another old fart that does not know what is up or down. A Jesuit, they are nuts. How conservative can you get while the church needs someone with vision and a will to change its image.

@!$%#!

Shipwrecked, some of the Jesuits are as liberal as anyone can get, however, I don't think this guy is one of them. . .or living in the present as far as THAT goes. His heart and mind are closed when it comes to some social issues which is one of the most ANTI-Christian attitudes a Church LEADER can hold. I think the Vatican may as well hang it up. Who in their right mind wants to worship a God that is sold as a hateful bigot, discriminating against the same creatures "He" created?

I thought Mel is an athiest?

Whatever he is, it's not Jewish.

I wish Pope Francis the best but once again they have chosen another old conservative that will probably not lead the church into the 21st century with new and fresh ideas. His positions on church social issues seem to be unchanged. People want the church to be non discriminatory, open and representative of the modern world not an outdated institution stuck in the 12th century. I sincerely hope I'm wrong about this Pope but I'm afraid the new boss looks a lot like the old boss.....

David, bless you for putting my thoughts into words. Silly people who say they don't care about the new Pope but read the article anyway. And then put their idiocy into comments afterwards.

I believe the majority of the scientists and academics in the priesthood are Jesuits. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

A delusional atheist commenting on a delusional theist....which "delusion" will prevail?

You have to be delusional to actually hold that the fictional events written in ancient books literally happened. Obviously the human brain has an uinknown, some might say amazing, ability to juggle facts with fiction in a manner that still allows for the propagation of the individual's genes and memes.

Fortunately, in the 21st century this juggling doesn't usually involve killing people for blasphemy or sorcerey. It mostly involves juggling cultural traditions with secular justice.

Fortunately, in the 21st century this juggling doesn't usually involve killing people for blasphemy or sorcerey.

Well, except for certain African nations.

While he's not as open minded as I would have liked on issues regarding modern views on gender and sexuality, he is a larger step to the left than I expected. He seems to be actively compassionate, whereas compassion always seemed more like an academic exercise to Benedict. He seems to take seriously the church's charge to care for the poor and the sick. I like that he was an educator in a field outside of religion. I like that the cardinals voted for someone from outside of Europe, and from an order that generally shuns leadership positions unless drafted into them. I like that he seems to be a humble man. I believe he is the kind of man who won't just look at the state of the world from a great distance, but instead from the crowded streets.

Time will tell.

Thankfully, neither does atheism in the 21st century mean to imprison or even kill those who do believe in Christ, unlike throughout the 20th century. Oh wait, there are those churches in modern-day China that the atheist government still raid and arrest those attending just because they want to worship God in a church not controlled by the state. Rather sad, isn't it. Such intolerance from the atheists in authority.

To juggle biblical stories with what is real - an interesting image. It does show though that the one advocated it has a rather fundamentalist viewpoint of biblical exegesis. Even atheists are capable of that, the way they read the Bible.

Another Subaru Forester-driving, men-hating lesbian.

You mean they should have selected an atheist as Pope?

On a serious note, the left is sweating over the selection because Hispanics are deeply Catholic. With such a force so close to home, some of the traditional Democrat voting block may be persuaded to vote for the conservative candidates.

I guess they did what they thought was right. I am sure they had their reasons. Think about what a wonderful choice Cardinal Dolan would have been. Bringing young people back to the church with his down to earth, likable ways. His sermons are awesome. He has a love of life and and a comely way with those around him. What a breath of fresh air he would have been. Maybe his time will be next. The Cardinals may be back sooner than they think, between Pope Francis' age and the fact he is working on one lung the rigors of being Pope may be too much for him. He has my prayers nonetheless

Cameron, the divisiveness is actually on the left. Most of the things you list despite their positive aspects have negative aspects that out weigh the good in them. Popular opinion does not make the opinion right, just popular.

Barbara, I knew a fellow who had one lung (lost the lung from lung cancer). He went white water rafting with the younger guys at the office. The only issue was how hard he had to breath after he got dumped out of the raft and had to swim for his life.

Hate to disillusion you, but I don't think you're going to find a pro-gay, pro-choice, pro-contraceptive priest in the Catholic Church. You will probably find some newer, pro-woman priests, but the hierarchy is still entrenched in the old ways. That's the doctrine of the church. No modern political concerns allowed. It hasn't changed in over 2000 years and won't change any time soon, even if they elect a young, progressive Pope some day. Progress is relative in the Catholic Church.

Sorry that there is still a group out there that can still believe in what is right instead of conforming to society like everyone else.

Then the whole church is BS cause they preach we are all gods children and he made us all so if they cannot deal with us all they are not the true church as they say. They are nothing more than the catholic version of the evangelists on Tv trying to suck your money in as is all religion. Organized I mean.

Leadership is why I joined the true Church-Praise the Lord-There is room for all the "progressives" in the protestant church where you can believe anything you want.

Cameron Ford,

Please leave The Old Guard out of this. They won't be involved unltil Pope Frankie makes a state visit to the USA.

I know. I know. Lighten up! ;>)

@converted Catholic says,...

" ...in the protestant church where you can believe anything you want."

Hmmm...how humble and non-judgemental of you.

Giantego,

My friend, the church preaches that God created us all and that we are made in his image. Yet, it also preaches that we have rebelled against God. It preaches that the evil in the world is because of the evil in our hearts. Many people today believe they are good - I think those people have too low of an opinion of what 'good' is - 'good' is not 'not bad,' and most people aren't even that - I certainly am not. The church preaches that God loves us enough to die for us, but he also loves us enough to want us to be better than we are - to be how we were created to be. There is a saying, "It is easy to please God, but it is difficult to satisfy him." God loves us, but he is not content with us as we are.

However, Christianity is not a homogeneous ideological or theological bloc. We disagree among ourselves on many things. Most of these disagreements are minor and we have learned (slowly and painfully) that they are not very important. As long as Jesus Christ is our foundation the divisions are meaningless. Yet, some churches preach intolerance, hate, and pride and I weep. If this has been your experience with Christians, I apologize on behalf of my confused brethren. God's grace is sufficient for all who believe - even them. :)

There is room for all the "progressives" in the protestant church where you can believe anything you want.

And which Protestant church would that be? Doesn't sound like any sect I've ever heard of.

you are a true bigot and jerk. God will get you AH

Now now Kathryne lee, what other organization can continue to operate after it is caught raping children over and over again. WalMart couldn't continue to sell rakes if they did the same thing. What are they going to say, sorry folks we had a little problem in aisle 3 in the children's half pants off sale but everything is ok now! They would be shut down in a heart beat!

weemee, it takes a racist (like you) to focus on the Pope's race.

OH, AND no other religious group has abused children? Or women? Get your head out of your ASS if you think Catholic clergy are the only abusers of trust. It is all around you because this is corrupt hateful world. Francis will bring hope and trust back to the church and you hateful ignorant people will be left behind

alot of hatefull messages here because of the choice made today, you people expect others to show tolerance for what you stand for or believe in, yet show alot of hate and lack of tolerance towards the new choice for Pope. I respect all religeons, everybodys choice in religeon of different faiths, i even respect gay marriage, i show pity on those who cheat on their spouse, and i respect freedom of speech, but i see too many who demand others tolerate everything they believe in but show no tolerance back at others..that just isnt right.

Katherine

You only needed to correct weemee by saying the cardinal is hispanic (non-white).

"Out of touch with the world?" They are called commandments, not suggestions. If they way of world is how we should go we wont be here for too much longer

You mean Hispanic man. Your hatred of whites distorts your view of probably everything.

weemee Really? I suppose you never heard of Pope JohnXXIII? He was an old man who everybody thought would last only a few years. BUT, he, this OLD man brought about Vatican Council II! He did bring the Church into the modern era, but some think the Church hasn't gone far enough. Perhaps it hasn't, but it seems that the Church is expected to agree with EVERY thought anyone ever had. However, the Church is bound by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Some would accuse the Church of being anti-Christ. If the Church were so anti-Christ, how would it have lasted for 2000 years? One of the things most people fail to recognize is that the Church is on a JOURNEY towards Christ, and we are journeying with her, sinful as she and we are. We walk by faith, not by sight.

He's not "white". If he were a citizen of the United States, he would be classified as "brown", Hispanic, and a minority. That's why there's always that extra question when you check "White" on a form that asks, "Are you Hispanic?". That way you can still claim minority status even though you may be whiter than Casper the Friendly Ghost.

I beg to differ on the comment about the new guy being non white. I believe that the man is of Italian heritage, only one or maybe two generations away from Europe. I'd say he is as "white" as Silvio Berlusconi, possibly not as corrupt.

OH, AND no other religious group has abused children? Or women?

Oh, well, that makes it all OK for the Catholics then. Gotta love that 3rd grade reasoning: "He did it first!"

RPJJr

At 76 years of age, this new pope will probably last another 5 to 10 years before old age gets him. That gentleman from the Philippines is only 55 so has a decent shot at becoming pope while still relatively young.

5 to 10 years is not a problem, if the choice was the right choice. It also is not a problem if the choice was bad.

76 years old with one lung they picked an interim leader if I ever saw one maybe just to beef up their south American flock that is dwindling. he comes from a country that has already legalized gay marriage.

I can see the British not being too thrilled about the choice of an Argentinian for pope. Nor the Falkland Islanders either. Be interesting to see how that goes down.

kathryn lee,

Well, all I can say is you need to get out more. Perhaps you should visit the parents of all the children who committed suicide because they were raped by priests. Priests protected by a written policy to globally obstruct secular justice. A policy enforced by a now pope emeritus.

We are watching this new pope with a clear eye. No more, never again!

Oh, so 1.2 billion people on this planet are in support of a huge church that does nothing but commit pedophilia. Yeah, uh huh...

OMG - Kathryne Lee:

I'm sorry these ridiculous people feel the need to bash everything. Not ALL Priests are pedophiles - I went to Catholic school my whole life. Nobody even looked at me wrong - and if they did, I would have told someone in gruesome detail. Yes, I feel sorry for those who were abused - sex wasn't discussed at all in those days, and it only seems to be boys. I hope Pope Francis unites the World.

I love MSNBC blogs. So many expect absolute perfection from everyone, regardless of the subject. I sincerely doubt they hold themselves to as high a standard. I am grateful they will not be judged as harshly when their time comes.

kathrynlee, I too think this is a humble man -- and the Church could use a lot of humility right now. BUT SO COULD A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE -- INCLUDING THOSE WHO JUDGE SO HARSHLY AND UNJUSTLY. I am sorry for the children who were raped and I think every pedophile priest should be in prison.

That being said, the Church has more positive things going for her than negative ones. I love the Church, sinful though she is, because she is made up of sinners -- and I am one of them. How do I love the Church? It was through the Church that I learned of a God who forgives and sets things right so I can continue on my love-journey to God. It was through the Church that I learned of the compassion of God. It was through the Church that I learned of the unimaginable generosity of God, who gave is only begotten Son so a sinful race could be healed. It was through the Church that I learned to love the sacraments. It was through the Church that I am able to participate in the Eucharist. The list goes on. Yes the Church is sinful, but I would remind those who attack the Church for the sins of a few what Jesus said when he confronted the accusers who were about to stone the woman caught in adultery -- "Let the one without sin throw the first rock." And the accusers walked away without throwing ANY stones! Imagine that! Even those who were so self-righteous in judging the woman were not without sin!

AW13 - It's easy for the losers on here to pick apart everything because they can do so anonymously. Make them put their real names beside their comments and you probably won't see their comments.

And to the haters, No, I'm not going to use my real name, either, but for a different reason. I don't want to be hunted down by one of you wackos on here.

he is . . . man of the people

Well, unless you're gay.

No, I'm not going to use my real name, either, but for a different reason. I don't want to be hunted down by one of you wackos on here

Right, but you're the only one who has to worry about that. Everyone else uses a screen name just so they can spread hate.

I was going to say the same thing. They left it off on purpose because the vote count for "Who cares?" would have been No. 1 by a mile.

They left that category out because it was irrelevant. After all, the fact that you're commenting here shows you actually do care. The ones who actually don't care wouldn't have even voted.

God is a HER.

Ed. There is no male or female in heaven. Indications are that God because the first human was a male and "created in God's image".

DB, how do you know either way?

Look at the pictures of Him.

Laugh of the Day award goes to millknee!

Speaks to the intelligence of many true believers.

They wouldn't care, if religious people didn't use their beliefs to push laws that everyone, including non believers, have to follow.

You mean like atheists who use their non-belief to push laws that everyone, including believers, have to follow?

Technically, it doesn't have to be a cardinal. It can be pretty much any Catholic male over a certain age.

Not everyone has to agree with the dogmatic heirarchy and their selection. It most certainly is up for debate.

cameron..not everyone believes in gay marriage, and thats their choice, i guess it comes down to those who have tolerance..ever try it?

Leaving worked well for me.

I think the Catholic females probably know that only Catholic males are eligible.

Sorry, they disappeared in a puff of smoke...

It rally baffles me to see people that are atheist commenting on religious issues when they should not care . In this day an age this country is already accepting everything they want even if they are a very small minority.So the majority is imposed on to satisfy the "freedom to do anything" thing .So relax until your day comes for you to part from this world you are good. You will understand than what you did wrong and it will be too late. But than, do not worry right, all of us billions of believers do not have a clue of what we are talking about . We are all just bunch of loony tunes

This is an issue for religious folks not non believers. The catholic church has done wrong thru the ages not just lately and it is sad. Those are evil things that have happen because of the evil that is inherent to man since its creation . They are trying to repair that. I am sure that atheists have never done anything wrong at all.
The Church is what it is and its goal is that of salvation in the name of Christ. today is a day of celebration for billions of people that believe and have faith in a better future . Let us enjoy that and if you do not believe what is it it to you what we celebrate or not.
Celebrate your own limited existence and let us celebrate the Glory of God. That is our right in this free world.

JMR777 - It rally baffles me to see people that are atheist commenting on religious issues when they should not care

We truly wouldn't give a crap if your cult weren't trying to use our secular government to enforce its sharia laws against gays and women. You make your cult everyone's business when you do that. For example, your cult just filed two amicus briefs with the supreme court to oppose the civil rights of gays. It's also spent millions in other lobbying efforts to suppress those rights, including funding hate groups like NOM.

And I suspect the global criminal conspiracy of the Catholic hierarchy to cover up the rape of children might have something to do with why people are so critical of your cult, and why your membership is dropping. Maybe you should try calling the cops rather than calling a bishop the next time you suspect a child has been raped by a priest?

Joe, it's because Peter wasn't the first pope. There was no Roman Catholic Church then and there were no popes appointed after he died since the Roman Catholic Church didn't exist. The Roman Catholic Church grandfathered him in after they formed in order to claim their church as the only true church. There were other churches long before the Roman Catholic Church was formed. The word "catholic" means universal and was used to describe all churches of Jesus Christ's followers. The Roman Catholic Church adopted that name for their church to create the illusion that they were the universal church.

hey buddy go look up Matthew 16:18...

That thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church. Peter and Rock are two different words in the Greek. Christ was going to build his church on the rock solid statement that he is the Christ and the gates of hell won't prevail against him. The actual Greek translates "You are Peter and I will build of Me the church"Interesting that a few verses later ( 16:23) Jesus calls Peter Satan. So according to Catholics the supposed first pope was "an offense unto me (Christ): for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Papal worship and obedience is idolatry at its worst.

None of what whoever Mathew (not his real name, who ever would conceive of a Jewish Man living in the 30 somethingth year of the common era being called Mathew?) was supposed to have said matters. The Greek translation came a long time after the church was created. The only writings were actually written decades after the supposed death of the person later called Jesus. It's all speculation codified by old power hungry men over two millennium.