As the first Latin American pontiff in history, Pope Francis became an instant favorite among most Latino communities. Since taking power, Jorge Bergoglio has made it clear that spreading the word of God throughout Latin America is part of his agenda. Within a week of getting sworn in, Pope Francis has already met with Argentinean President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who he previously clashed with in regards to gay marriage and abortion.

While the world has the opportunity to celebrate history in the making, as the first Latin becomes the new pontiff, we must also wonder what Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio really stands for and whether his beliefs align with the modern Latino in the U.S. There’s no denying that he has his work cut out for him.

More Latinos than ever are leaving the Catholic Church for other religions and spiritual practices—whether it be Pentecostalism, Islam or no spiritual practice at all. What the way we worship says about us as a changing community.

One hundred and fifteen cardinals donning red hats and capes prayed for the higher power to help them select their next leader today during the papal conclave at the St. Peter's Basilica church in Rome, Italy. Since Pope Benedict XVI stepped down last month, due to his age and weakened health, an estimated 1.2 billion Catholics anxiously wait as the “princes of the Church” begin the balloting process.