An RNS analysis describes Francis as “a pope of paradox for a church in transition.”

A Forbes column looks at the management and leadership qualities fostered by the religious order  and says those traits should serve the new pope well.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reports that as of 2010, 39 percent of the world’s Catholics live in Latin America and nearly three-quarters of that region’s population is Catholic.

Read an article by the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano on the Jesuits and their founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola, posted by CatholicCulture.org.

CNN reported an enthusiastic response from Latin America, and leaders of other faith groups in that region told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette they were pleased by Francis’ elevation and had had a good rapport with him during his time as a cardinal.

Religion News Service posted reactions from other religious and secular leaders. In a separate RNS story, Jewish leaders said they see an ally in Francis.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement calling the new pope “an inspired choice” whose election “marks a great milestone” for the church.

The Associated Press posted a video on YouTube of the white smoke that signaled a decision had been made.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Vatican tweeted the big news within minutes of Francis’ balcony appearance.