Shortly after becoming pope, he told pilgrims gathered at a public audience that he had wanted to recall the spirit of his predecessor Benedict XV, who was pope between the two world wars - and a pope of reconciliation.
He said he also sought inspiration from Saint Benedict - the fifth century founder of monastic life in the Catholic Church.
"For Benedict, it was a pretty obvious choice," said Bartoloni. "We all know his love for Europe, his fondness for Saint Benedict and for the Benedictines."
He also had a brief reign of seven-and-a-half years - just a few months shorter than that of Benedict.
On the eve of the conclave to select a new pope, speculation has gone into overdrive about who's ahead in the papal campaign.
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