Most people change with age and experience... even if we still have our basic personality, it gets tempered or hardened as we go through life... think mellowed with age or grown embittered or rigid... the new pope is showing his own mind and convictions in small ways and as he grows into the "job" I expect that he will continue making his own stamp on the papacy. I also think that he will do a good deal of "soul searching" as the results of his actions become apparent.

Actions have intended and unintended consequences. Over population is a real issue and will get worse before it gets better ( and how that may occur is anyone's guess)... But there has been a definite trend to smaller families in the more affluent societies- regardless of faith. If birth control is affordable, it will be used. Abortion is expensive retroactive birth control - only to use as last resort. If he stays out of health education and recognizes that free will is only free will if there is actually choice available, I'll be happy. Surprised, but happy.