From the initial info., he seems like a good choice. Taking one from out of Europe and North America may better enable him to deal with and distance the church from the Child abuse topic,

His focus on the poor will go over well in all areas, especially growth areas (Latin America, Africa etc),

Having someone outside Europe may help the organization come to grips with inhouse management issues in Rome,

Jusuits played a good part in history in Latin America,

He may help bring some disinterested Latin Americans back to the church (a big growth sector),

He may not tend to "shoot from the hip" on issues like the past pope,

I am especially interested in his record with the past Argentian governments - and the influence it had. His experience may be closer to "the Polish pope"?

Maybe his first state visit wil be to the Islas Malvinas:)

On the downside, he does not seem progressive on gay, womens and contraception issues - but I suspect few candidates would be much different on these issues.

But, he is no "Mother Teresa" - but that may not be a bad thing, according to some information supplied by some Mudcat posters.


Associated press