Vatican denies claim that Pope Francis failed to protect priests

VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- The Vatican pushed back Friday against claims that Pope Francis failed to protect two fellow Jesuit priests who were kidnapped during Argentina's military dictatorship.The accusations have resurfaced since the Argentine cardinal's unexpected election to the papacy two days ago.A book by investigative reporter Horacio Verbitsky accuses Francis, who was then referred to as Jorge Mario Bergoglio and was head of the country's Jesuit order but not yet a bishop, of deliberately failing to protect two Jesuit priests who were imprisoned by the government.But the Rev.

Pope Francis meets with all cardinals ahead of installation

VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- After the pomp and activities surrounding his election as pontiff, Pope Francis may get his first quiet day Friday when he meets with familiar faces -- all the cardinals.The meeting in the late morning is the only event on his calendar for the day.He can likely use some rest before Tuesday, when St.

The new pope's first day: Mass with the cardinals

ATICAN CITY (CNN) -- A man of many firsts, Pope Francis on Thursday joined the cardinals who elected him to celebrate his first Mass as pontiff.When Jorge Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony at the Vatican on Wednesday evening to reveal himself as the new leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, he made history as the first non-European pope of the modern era, the first from Latin America, the first Jesuit and the first to assume the name Francis.Thursday is low-key by comparison.Francis began the day by praying at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a place of special significance for the Jesuits.The Mass with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel will probably provide further insights into his vision as he gives his first homily, or sermon, as pope.His next public appearance is likely to be Sunday.

Five things to know about Pope Francis

(CNN) -- From the Vatican to Buenos Aires, Catholics worldwide rejoiced when Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio became the new pope.He's the first Jesuit and the first Latin American in modern times to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.But in some ways, he's just a normal guy.Here are five things to know about Pope Francis:1.

Cardinal Dolan shares his thoughts on selection of new pope

VATICAN CITY (WITI) -- Cardinal Timothy Dolan is excited about the naming of the new pope -- and what it means for the Roman Catholic church.Cardinal Dolan told reporters on Wednesday evening, that the word Catholic means everybody, all-embracing.

New pope creates new demand for religious art, artifacts

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The naming of a new pope is creating new demand for religious art and artifacts.The phones began ringing off the hook at Stemper's in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon -- after Pope Francis met the public.

Fr. Kitzke with Old St. Mary's Parish provides insight on papal selection

BROWN DEER (WITI) -- Jorge Bergoglio was selected as pope on Wednesday, March 13th, and adopted the name "Francis."76-year-old Bergoglio, who served as archbishop of Buenos Aires, took the name Francis shortly after being elected by cardinals in what was apparently the fifth round of voting on the second day of the conclave.Father Tim Kitzke of Old St.

CNN Vatican analyst: Pope Francis name 'precedent shattering'

(CNN) -- Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, the new pope, is breaking historic ground by choosing the name Francis.It's the first time the name is being used by a pope, said CNN Vatican expert John Allen.The name parallels one of the most venerated figures in the Roman Catholic Church, St.

SNAP releases statement following papal selection

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has released a statement following the selection of Pope Francis (Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires).The statement reads:"There is no greater example of courageous reform in the history of the Catholic church than St.