A quick follow-up now that the media circus has subsided around the election of the new "pope." The media has focused on the fact that the Italian/Argentinian Archbishop chose the name "Francis" after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy and lover of animals.

  

Since the new pope is the first Jesuit ever to be named Pope, a much more likely candidate is another Catholic saint, Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuits and "missionary" to India. I place missionary in quotes, as Xavier was responsible for forced conversions and ultimately the Goa Inquisition in India.

  

Here is a Hindu writer's take on St. Francis Xavier:

 

Francis Xavier : A Saint or Ruthless Father of Bloodiest Inquisition in Goa

 

An interesting connection exists with Peter Romanus after all. In 1455, Pope Nicholas V issued the papal bull Romanus Pontifex. This bull granted dominion over all newly discovered lands in the Age of Discovery to King Alfonso V of Portugal. 

 

Not worried about the pope's plans for world domination, since I am...

 

Covered in Christ,

 

 

Dale