Even before his election, the 76-year-old was a deeply influential leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

BBC: Pope Francis divides opinion in Argentina

The death of the three-day-old baby last November shocked Chile, a predominantly Roman Catholic country.

BBC: Chilean 'cult leader' Ramon Castillo found dead in Peru

Asuncion, Paraguay (CNN) -- Paraguay's president, a former Roman Catholic bishop, has admitted he is the father of a 10-year-old boy, his attorney said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS