Our institutions and the papal representatives present in the affected countries went into action immediately.

Indeed, papal diplomats not only knew about the plot against Hitler, but sought to mediate between the conspirators and the Allied Powers.

The spat resulted from an attempt to set politics above the laws of economics. The dogma of European policymakers infallibility and the irrevocability of every step toward integration collided with reality.

The heart of the matter is that Francis s actions have been in line with the revolution from above style of reform associated with Vatican II. In particular, none of the changes promoted by Francis envision a reduction in papal power.

Alan Greenspan attained an almost iconic status as Governor of the Federal Reserve Board. So, as his term draws to a close and his mantle of infallibility is passed on to his successor, it is worth examining whether his legacy will measure up and what we can expect from the new Fed chief, Ben Bernanke.

Papal authority stands on shaky ground, especially in the comparatively secular West. Francis can attract attention by opining about social justice outside the church, but it is difficult for any pope to influence the habits and theological views of Catholics themselves, who think and act as they please.

The chief Jesuit confessor at the papal court used to be called the black pope, owing to his simple black cassock (if not his sinister intent). Now, for the first time, a Jesuit has become pope and has compounded the novelty by assuming the very un Jesuit name of Francis.

He chose his papal name, he explains in the text, because he considers St. Francis of Assisi to be the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically. His namesake showed that concern for nature is inseparable from justice for the poor, social commitment, and peace within oneself.