I´m nervous that he was/is part of the liberation philosophy gang. That would be tragic for the Church. And it was something Pope Benedict worked very hard to eradicate.

He isn´t part of the Liberation Theology gang, he actually fought against it. In terms of doctrine, he is very traditional and hard line. As for the social justice part, if social justice is about love and caring then I am all for it. To confuse the Church´s view of social justice with that of leftist politicians is a mistake.

More accurate headline: "U.S. CINOs Hopeful, But Wary, of New Pope Francis"

This Pope is very traditional and believes communion should not be given to politicians who legislate against church principles. Goodbye to fake catholics like Biden, pelosi and Kerry and the whole Kennedy clan

Oh the shudder Ms. Grossman must have had typing that article- a Pope who disagrees with Liberals Religious tenants of Gay Marriage, Killing Babies and Wonen´s Rights to be Priests.

He left the Vatican and went to a local church to pray. I like him already!

I think #2 is right. I slept on it and feel good about it this morning. I spoke to several friends last night and we all agreed that having a pope that focuses on both tradition and active outreach to the poor is a wonderful thing. Jesus did that and as Catholics we are called to do that too. I´ll admit that at times it is easy to get swept up in the ritual (which I love and value greatly), politics, and theology and forget that social outreach is fundamentally Catholic. I think this pope will bring a nice balance. Countless saints (and more recently Blessed Mother Theresa) were very conservative in their views while actively loving and caring for the poor and sick.

Posted from my iPhone, please pardon any typos.

"Many U.S. Catholics nervous that new Pope Francis may be a Catholic" There, fixed the caption.

You really have to wonder about the secular media. They haven´t a clue.

Catholics wary? Only ultra liberal phony Catholics like Pelosi, Kerry, Mikulski, Sebelius, Biden and all of the Kennedy´s. Real Catholics are thrilled.

Sadly, the progs have hijacked the whole social justice idea. But it´s the Catholic church and other churches who actually practice it. When disaster strikes who is out there actually helping? The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and other faith based organizations.
The progs are too busy developing another committee, union or protest march.

I´m a US Catholic and I am not "wary." But then I don´t see everything through the prism of my privates. Face it, Cathy Lynn, people who want to be catholic AND enjoy sodomy, anger, self-hatred, and the joys of never-ending resentment of normal life will forever shun the likes of Francis.

Pope Francis has stated that Catholic politicians who back and favor abortion, pervert marriage and birth control should not be granted or given communion.

His real test will come on March 19th when he says Mass in Rome. If he gives any of these politicians communion (Joe Biden will be there)
then we will know he lacks the will to back his words.

Many will be watching!

I am a "U.S.Catholic" and am not wary of the new Pope Francis. I had hoped a US cardinal would be the choice. However, the Holy Spirit chose Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio for the successor to St. Peter. I love our new Pope.I am at peace...not wary. I wish these pundits would speak for themselves and quit inserting their opinions on U.S. Catholics who are NOT wary.

I´m a US catholic and I am not ´wary´ not a bit.

I would like to see Pope Francis put his principles into practice. He could start by excommunicating Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, Kathleen Sebelius, Mario Cuomo, Patrick Kennedy, etc..

Very predictable, in a matter of hours the liberal, anti Catholic writers, many not withthe Church, coming out of the woodwork . . . he is unwilling and unable to make "crucial changes" - "crucial changes" is code for pro-abortion, gay marrages . . all things that would make secular socialists very happy. Sounds like a good chioce.