People actually believe in Pope Francis

Pope Francis hasn’t had a papacy for more than 48 hours yet, but much has been said, written, broadcasted, tweeted, Facebooked and blogged.

The pope’s mantle is heavy with expectations as he is expected to clean house at the Vatican, lead the church in addressing the abuse scandal that plagued Benedict’s papacy and also attract lapsed Catholics and converts back to the fold. It’s a ponderous, almost-Sisyphean task.

But many people have been inspired to do something that is beyond incredible: They believe.