Sir — The church may not have as yet developed the ‘strength’ to be led by a black Pope, but what is gratifying is that at least it has shown the will to elevate a latin American to be the next Pontiff. In the election of Argentina’s Jorge Mario Bergoglio — henceforth Francis I — the College of Cardinals has made a historic choice by signalling the church’s willingness to adopt change.
The Pope-elect’s solidarity with the commonfolk will enable him to easily slip into the robes of a ‘people’s Pope’. At this crucial juncture, the new Pope cannot duck issues like child abuse, corruption and internecine feuds, and he must take active steps to bring in transparency and accountability in all ecclesiastical affairs. Pope Francis I will have justified his calling if he succeeds in de-mystifying the papacy.