Pope Francis: Church can't 'interfere' with gays

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11. Francis would have been the pope no matter what

When Benedict resigned, Francis was next in line for the job. It was a done deal the second Benedict said farewell (*whew*).

Why do I know this?

I happen to be Catholic and the day that pope Francis was named I was watching the celebrations in Argentina and they were saying all of what I just wrote in Spanish that day -- that pope Francis would have been the pope already had Benedict not taken the position.

So all of this waiting for the smoke to rise, etc. was all but a show for those that wanted to believe that it was a real secret matter where in fact, there was nothing secret about it because everyone knew already.

As for the Cardinal's vote, I doubt he's kicking himself as who else could he have voted for? No one is the answer in a done deal scenario as this one was.

All said, I like this pope more that Benedict, that is for certain.

As for the role of women in the Church, I have noted some big changes. Women are now serving communion to people and young girls are now "alter boys". I've seen one boy serving as an alter boy recently, just one. As for the girl, she's probably about 12 years old would be my guess with her very proud parents in attendance at every Church event where she has a role in the actual Mass intself. This is beyond belief for many old Catholics that always believe a woman's place is in the home having babies. Period.

He is trying to do good and make some changes slowly which is quite difficult when you consider how many very devout Catholics are still out there -- maybe not in the USA but in other places throughout the world.

I hope this helps and yes, this is a highly confusing issue and it is too bad that not everyone speaks Spanish and have the chance to know the reality of why pope Francis is now the "new pope". New? Not really ...

As for myself, I am indeed Catholic and I suppose it helps a bit around here to have someone that really does know what is going on with the Church these days. In fact, that is why I have been going recently, to keep up with what IS going on.