Just moments after white smoke appeared in Vatican City to signal that the conclave had chosen a new pope, the world took to Twitter and Facebook to express speculation over who would be named the next leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. And when the very first Latino pope was named — Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Argentina — excitement, surprise and even some skepticism amid the Hispanic community immediately went viral.
“HABEMUS PAPAM”
— william levy (@willylevy29) March 13, 2013
New Pope is Cardinal Bergoglio from Argentina — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 13, 2013
“God bless Pope Frances 1 . He will be needing all the blessings in the world, with so many negative feelings,” wrote Christina Ramirez on NBC Latino’s Facebook page. “It is an honor to have a Latin Pope……2 thumbs up.”
The Pope’s middle name is ‘Mario! ‘That’s a sign. Can’t go wrong with a name like that… #Catholic — Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) March 13, 2013
Vatican panders to Latino vote today, but Pope Francis is just like his predecessor. Old school, stuck in medieval times. #SoyRebelde — Latino Rebels (@latinorebels) March 13, 2013
The pope is Spanish! Representing the Latino population!!✊
— Dilan Espinosa (@dilan_espinosa) March 13, 2013
A Latino pope feels like such a political move. Like when politicians learn spanish on the fly to “reach out” to us. #SaveYourself #latism
— Tracy Perez(@Tracy_Perez) March 13, 2013
A Jesuit and Latino pope for the first time ever!
— Bryan Valladares (@BWEEZYBIRD431) March 13, 2013
“The world seems to be getting closer by choosing leaders of ‘the new world,’” commented Juan Fabian on Facebook. “Catholicism needs leadership during these years and it feels good a new pope comes from Latin America. We have our challenges on this part of the world and it’s a new angle of mindset.”
