The by all accounts surprising selection of Argentinian Cardinal Bergoglio as Pope Francis has left many a jaw dropped around the world. Unfortunately, Bergoglio's homophobic history isn't as shocking. 

Follow the jump for some early reactions to Pope Francis from the LGBT community and beyond. 

And the person who will be making plenty of appearances on this here blog (whether good or bad, who's to know) is 76-year old Cardinal Bergoglio, from Argentina. He has taken the name Pope Francis and is the first non-European pontifex. 

If we could all quit our jobs but keep the income, recognition, the fabulous apartment and the trophy boy, we'd all do it. So there's certainly no judgement coming from us upon word that Pope Benedict will retire to a deluxe apartment within the Vatican, and spend the nights with his suspicious and preferred male companion, Secretary Monsignor Georg Gänswein. 

Britain's top Catholic has followed in the footsteps of Pope Benedict and is hanging up his gold accented frocks after the sexual accusations of four priests make international headlines. 

Updated Saturday, 2:45 p.m. PST

Following the widespread coverage of reports alleging that Pope Benedict's resignation is due in part to a gay sex scandal within the Vatican, the Vatican has finally released an official statement.

They're less than pleased.

More after the jump.

Unfortunately, our nightly clutches of the rosary have proven ineffective because our prayers have been declined: Mrs. Betty Bowers will not be the new Pope. Check out the latest from America's Best Christian after the jump!

Like many, Stephen Colbert was shocked by the Pope's announcement that he was resigning, but Colbert took the news that the Pope was "out" a little differently than most. 

Watch after the jump.

UPDATED: 12:25 p.m. EST

Soon to be former Pope Benedict has released an official statement detailing his historic resignation. Check it out after the break.

Are Dutch Catholics leaving the Catholic church based on Pope Benedict's virulent views against same-sex marriage?

It appears that many are assessing their options. 

Details after the jump!

Pope Benedict has once again exploited a holiday meant to celebrate peace and the coming together of humanity to demonize a minority group. Check out the Pope's latest vitriolic battle in his war against the LGBT community after the jump.

McKenna Pope for Secretary of State? 

The 13-year old who launched into the national spotlight after petitioning Hasbro for an Easy Bake Oven has diplomatically changed the world. After a diplomatic meeting between the teen and execs from the toy company, Hasbro has announced that it will make a gender neutral Easy Bake Oven.

Pope Benedict has decided that the best way to honor International World Day of Peace 2013 (which arrives on January 1) is by once again demonizing gays and same-sex relationships as the evil that will end humanity.

So peaceful, right?