I'm not a Catholic, and I'm not familiar with the machinations in the choosing of a Pope. However, it seems to me that by choosing a 76-year old Cardinal, who has incessantly battled the abortion, gay rights etc. laws of Argentina, the Catholic Church is not in the mood for liberalization any time soon.

I note that on some news broadcasts the new Pontiff is being referred to as Francis I. I thought that such numeration was not normally assigned until there is a namesake successor.

PS--can someone delete my post titled Pope Francis which was being composed as these others came up. Thank you.