The man Hugo Chavez tapped to succeed him as president says the socialist leader's death may have influenced the choice of a pope from South America. "We know that our commander reached those heights and he's face to face with Christ," says Maduro, who was sworn in as acting president on Friday. "Something had an influence on the choosing of a South American pope. Some new hand came, and Christ said, 'South America's time has come,'" he says. — Christopher Toothaker _____ "Pope Live" follows the choice of the new pope as seen by journalists from The Associated Press around the world. It will be updated throughout the day with breaking news and other items of interest. Follow AP reporters on Twitter where available.
CHAVEZ INFLUENCE?
— Mar. 13 4:54 PM EDT
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ADDS REFERENCE TO CHAVEZ'S SIGNATURE - Venezuela's acting President Nicolas Maduro holds up what he says was the government plan created by late President Hugo Chavez, titled "Homeland Program 2013-2019. Commander Hugo Chavez," with Chavez's signature, after registering his candidacy for president to replace late President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, March 11, 2013. Behind left stands Tibisay Lucena, president of the national electoral council. Presidential elections were announced to take place on April 14, after the death of Chavez on March 5. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
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