WESTFIELD – Catholics around the world are rejoicing this week with the election of Pope Francis I.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected this week to head the Catholic Church and the Sovereign of the Vatican City.
Pope Francis hails from Argentina and is the first pope from the Americas, something the Spanish speaking community worldwide is excited about.
Fr. Brian McGrath, pastor of St. Mary Parish here in Westfield, said about 20 percent of the congregation is Hispanic and they are happy to have a pope to relate to.
“To have a Spanish speaking Pope who understands the issues of Latin America is exciting,” said McGrath.
McGrath said the election of a new Pope just before Easter, a time of renewal for Catholics, is an extra blessing. Taking the name Francis was also special for St. Mary parish which is celebrating a Novena to St. Francis.
“The timing is impeccable,” said McGrath.
McGrath said he was “very, very excited” about Pope Francis I.
“He seems to be a holy, humble man,” said McGrath. “My hope is that he shows us the way to faith, to hope, and to love.”
Fr. Dan Pacholec, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, said he is also excited to have a new pope.
“It’s wonderful,” he said. “I think whenever there is change, there is great hope for healing and growth in the church.”
Pacholec said he has been thinking a lot about Pope Francis as he prepares his Palm Sunday Homily.
“The thinking that comes to my mind is that any man who is pope is still a man,” said Pacholec. “I like that he asked for blessings before he offered his. We need to be supportive of him.”
Pacholec said Pope Francis I is taking a “humble position” as he leads Catholics.
“The fact that he comes from Latin America is going to be wonderful for people of that region – and all people of Hispanic descent,” Pacholec said. “He was born there and he knows the poverty there and I think he will be sensitive to that around the world.”
