So, hopefully you have heard that a new Pope was elected to the Catholic Church. This is quite exciting, as it’s a big deal, the Pope can rule for quite a few years, and as I touched on it in the last blog, he is very influential, as his reign reaches 1.2 billion people world wide, only slightly less than China (who rules 1.3 billion people). Thus, Pope Francis, who used be known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires was elected March 13, 2013.

Though some people are very excited and encouraged by Pope Francis, others are not as excited as there is accusations of bit of “dark” history in his past. Before one jumps to conclusions too quickly, something that you need to consider is the concept of “trust” with leaders of all types, be religiously affiliated or not. Additionally, I think because of this wide issue, I will do research and blog about trusting people in power of authority and leadership roles for next week :)

However, back to Pope Francis, as BBC states, he is known as being quite humble, as he encouraged his Argentinean people to include all, and he condemns governments that do no encourage social inclusion. Whilst living in Argentina, Pope Francis lived in a humble flat, and tries to travel as frugally as possible; Pope Francis also recycles the cardinal vest used by his predecessor.

Conversely BBC news also points out that many people who are more “progressive” or “laissez-faire” in their beliefs, disagree with the Pope’s statement that gays who adopt children are discriminating against them. Another topic that has risen to the surface of Pope Francis’ past is known as the Junta Years, where the Argentine dictatorship was in reign between 1976 – 1983, and his role is questionable. Supposedly, he was accused turning in two fellow priests to military officials because he declined to openly approve their social work performed. Another allegation that has risen is when he failed to follow up an appeal to help find a mother’s kidnapped baby. Essentially, these are saying that he refused and failed to submit proper paperwork required.

Although these issues can be confusing, as they seem contradictory, it is important to realize that the Pope was elected Pope for a reason. Moreover, the people who elected him did so on the basis that they deem him most appropriate for the context of the situation. Therefore, although he may have a dodgy past, for a reason that we might not always know, he is considered the best fit for the shoe—and you should make your own, personal opinion of that based off the facts available out there. I hope that this got you thinking, as it did me, not only about the Pope, and Catholic Church (in a sense of becoming more educated, not necessarily to convert to Catholicism). Yet also, in the thought provoking idea of trust, and the concept of groups trusting an individual who is in a position of power, and bya which metrics and virtues should be used to evaluate and judge them as a “worthy” individual for the job.