Pope Francis speaks to the faithful in Saint Peter's Square. (Credit: Fox)
DETROIT (WJBK) -
More than a billion Catholics worldwide are celebrating and praying for their new pope.
This is a historic moment for more than a million Catholics in Michigan that are looking for a strong leader to steer the church through its troubled times. We've heard about the priest shortage, the sex abuse crisis, and, of course, they've dealt with the competition from other evangelical churches.
Pope Francis is from Argentina. He is a Jesuit and the first Latin American and non-European pope to be elected in more than a thousand years, but one with very traditional values.
The 76-year-old is seen as an unwavering orthodox. He opposes contraception, abortion and same-sex marriage.
We spoke to two young men that are studying to be priests. They are very pleased with the selection.
"It's the first time I remember it. I'm 19, so I was alive when Benedict was elected, but I don't really remember much of it. So it was really just a neat experience to see and everything," said one.
"[There have] been no things that would be theologically problematic in the things he's said. He's a solid guy. He's going to stand for eternal truths, which I think is something that the church needs right now," another said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:02:29 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:26:44 GMT
Less than 24 hours after a judge bounced Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan from the ballot saying he didn't meet the City Charter's residency requirements, a negative political ad hit the air.
Less than 24 hours after a judge bounced Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan from the ballot saying he didn't meet the City Charter's residency requirements and around the same time Duggan vowed to appeal, a negative political ad hit the air.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 8:49 AM EDT2013-06-12 12:49:07 GMT
This could be a game changer for Detroit's mayoral election. Mike Duggan was yanked from the ballot after a judge said he was not a registered voter in the city for a year before he filed his nominating petitions
This could be a game changer for Detroit's mayoral election. Mike Duggan, who was considered a front runner, was yanked from the ballot after a judge said he was not a registered voter in the city for a year before he filed his nominating petitions. He fell just 14 days short.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-11 14:38:08 GMT
It was late last week after the last day of school when parents received an unexpected letter in their email that reads more like more soap opera than something from a school district.
It was late last week after the last day of school when parents received an unexpected letter in their email that reads more like more soap opera than something from a school district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:40:48 GMT
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:20 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:20:12 GMT
Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan ended his campaign Wednesday and will not challenge an appeals court ruling that bars him from the August primary ballot.
Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan ended his campaign Wednesday and will not challenge an appeals court ruling that bars him from the August primary ballot.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:13:58 GMT
A search of a rural field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, an FBI agent announced Wednesday as authorities ended the dig.
A search of a rural field in suburban Detroit has failed to turn up the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, an FBI agent announced Wednesday as authorities ended the dig.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:45:33 GMT
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:22 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:22:54 GMT
FBI agents in suburban Detroit began a third day of digging Wednesday in the search for the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared 38 years ago.
FBI agents in suburban Detroit began a third day of digging Wednesday in the search for the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared 38 years ago.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:41 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:41:21 GMT
Mike Duggan is expected to lay out his future plans Thursday, one day after an appeals court ruled that he doesn't meet Detroit residency requirements to put his name on the ballot for the Aug. 6 primary elections.
Mike Duggan is expected to lay out his future plans Thursday, one day after an appeals court ruled that he doesn't meet Detroit residency requirements to put his name on the ballot for the Aug. 6 primary elections.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:35 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:35:18 GMT
Detroit City Council member Kwame Kenyatta says he quitting Friday. Kenyatta didn't give a specific reason, but he says the council is virtually powerless now that Detroit is being run by an emergency manager.
Detroit City Council member Kwame Kenyatta says he quitting Friday. Kenyatta didn't give a specific reason to radio station WWJ, but he says the council is virtually powerless now that Detroit is being run by an emergency manager.
Pope Francis speaks to the faithful in Saint Peter's Square. (Credit: Fox)
