Local Vatican Consultant on What Selection of Francis Signifies

Tools

by Michele McCormack

Story Created: Mar 13, 2013

Story Updated: Mar 14, 2013

MILWAUKEE---Dr. Bill Thorn of Marquette University correctly predicted Tuesday on the CBS 58 News at 5:00 that there would be a new pope by Wednesday.

He admits he's surprised by the decision of Francis the First from Argentina but says it shows that the Cardinals thought the most pressing problem for the church is Latin America.

"Wonderful," Dr. Thorn told CBS 58's Michele McCormack of the selection, "a Jesuit who lives like a Franciscan. What more could you ask?"

Thorn makes note that the Jesuit order is the largest in the Catholic church known for study and deeply involved in social justice.

"He's German educated at the top of his theology, he has taught at least eight different subjects at the college level, classic Jesuit."

Thorn says the process of the conclave involved the Cardinals first discussing the problems of the church and then deciding on the man who can solve them.

Latin America is a problem, Thorn says, because it's 40% of the Catholic population and they face a lot of challenges, among them poverty.

"There are also efforts by other denominations to pull them out," Thorn explained. "There are young Catholics who are sort of drifting away from the church. So, it's time to build a bridge between the Vatican and Latin America."

Poll

Did you plant your Garden Yet?

  • Yes
  • No