Habemus Papam Franciscum: An Instrument of Peace?

I watched yesterday the announcement of our new pope, and when it was revealed that it was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, from Argentina, and a Jesuit, and that he was taking the name Francis the First, I wept.  A pope from the "New World", evoking St. Francis of Assisi--could this really mean a new day for the Catholic Church?

His first greeting seemed to suggest at least a new tone:
And now I would like to give the blessing, but first - first I ask a favour of you: before the Bishop blesses his people, I ask you to pray to the Lord that he will bless me: the prayer of the people asking the blessing for their Bishop.  Let us make, in silence, this prayer:  your prayer over me. 

Humility. Simplicity.  I'm guardedly optimistic.  And pessimistically realistic.  I am, after all, a Catholic woman.

Will this pope throw wide the doors of the Vatican?  Maybe not, but if they are nudged open a bit more, I would be pleased.

Will this pope usher in a new era of modern thought and change within the Catholic Church?  Probably not, nor should we expect a "Vatican III" anytime soon.

It is the name Francis that causes my heart to leap a bit, and was probably the chief reason for my tears.  If this pope does nothing else but embody each day the words of the Prayer of St. Francis, there just may be a great deal of hope for his pontificate:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

Habemus Papam.  Let us pray for Francis I, and for the Church.  Amen.