Pope Francis urges cardinals to pass their wisdom to youth

2013-03-15 5

Looking composed on his second day as pontiff - despite this little stumble by Pope Francis in front of the world's media.

The Argentinian-born pontiff - the first from South America - held an official meeting with his cardinals on Friday.

Francis praised the legacy of his predecessor Pope Benedict whom he said "had lit a deep flame in their hearts".

He also noted how close the cardinals had become during the papal conclave, which he said would help the church.

"Our knowledge of each other has grown and we also become more open with each other and this is good because we are brothers," he said.

Pope Francis - the first non-European pope in 1300 years - surprised many seasoned Vatican watchers when he was chosen to lead the Catholic church.

The pontiff said being 76-years-old was an advantage not a hindrance because old age "is the seat of the wisdom of life."

"Let us give the gift of this wisdom to the youth," he said.

The new pontiff is

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