Updated
The Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle Bill Wright admits he knows nothing about the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Argentinean Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected as the new Pope and will take the name Francis I.
White smoke began pouring from the Sistine Chapel's chimney early this morning to announce that the new pontiff had been elected on the second day of the papal conclave.
Bishop Wright says Pope Francis is the church's first Latin American pontiff.
"Another surprise from a conclave," he said.
"It's a celebration for Catholics everywhere.
"I knew very few of the named candidates even, but no, I know nothing about him."
Pope Francis is also the church's first Jesuit pontiff.
Bishop Wright went to Jesuit schools and says they are the largest religious order of priests.
"They've had a very complicated history," he said.
"In 17th century France they're were abolished by the powers around the throne.
"An order with a long and interesting history.
"Founded in the 16th century they came rapidly to be seen as a Catholic strike force against the reformation.
"They were an extraordinary burst of energy."
Bishop Wright says the pontiff's new name may be his way of honouring one of the church's most well regarded preachers.
"He's taken the name of Saint Francis of course, which apparently, people are assuming, is a nod of the head to Francis of Assisi, and it may well be," he said.
"Well that connects then with another religious tradition."
Topics: catholic, newcastle-2300, maitland-2320
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