I think that there is nothing that is lived with such intense emotion as the wait for the 'Habemus Papam'. And, as has happened many times before, the newly elected Roman Pontiff is not the one who was among the most likely to be chosen. "Your ways are not my ways," says the Lord. In the immediate aftermath of the election of Pope Francis I, it is natural that the first thought should be to give thanks to God and to raise prayers for the person of Benedict XVI's successor.

Evidently, the name Francis invites us to think not only of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint of humility and poverty, but also of St. Francis Xavier, the great saint and missionary from Navarre. The Latin American background of the new Pope and his words on evangelization suggest that this task is very close to his heart. It should not be forgotten that the Church exists to proclaim the Gospel until the end of time. In this sense, one can speak of a clear continuity with previous pontificates.

At the same time, in presenting himself as Bishop of Rome and addressing his people, he showed his closeness and concern not only for those who are far from the faith and need to be evangelized, but also for his own, whom he intends to care for with the vigilance of a loving father. It seems to me that at that moment, listening to his words, all Catholics felt very Roman and very proud to have this new pastor.