History was made in Vatican
City after a new pope was elected Wednesday. Thousands witnessed the white
smoke billowing out of the Sistine Chapel and bells ringing after the cardinals
reached a decision. Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina will now serve as Pope
Francis I.
The congregation at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church has felt in limbo since Pope Benedict XVI's resignation. Father
Pablo Migone said they can no longer pray for Pope Benedict and his picture has
been taken down but as Holy Week approaches, they are optimistic for a new one.
"The pope is a sign of a unity
for all of us, for 1.2 billion Catholics in the world," said Father Migone.
Thousands watched as Jorge Mario
Bergoglio formally addressed the crowd as the new found Pope Francis I. Only a
day after the Papal Conclave began was there white smoke coming from the
chimney at the Sistine Chapel.
"It's remarkable how the
whole world has stopped to look at the chimney," said Father Migone.
No longer are people around the
world staring at the chimney but at the Argentinean Jesuit who is making
history.
Father Migone said it's been
hundreds of years since a pope has been elected outside of Europe but Pope Francis
I is already showing change being the
first pope from the new world.
"The College of Cardinals
has become more and more diverse, representing better the face of the church,
the diversity of the church," said Father Migone.
The timing also comes during one
of the most important seasons for the Catholic Church, Easter.
"To start as pope in the most
important weeks of the year, it will kind of be like a baptism by fire for him,"
said Father Migone.
However, Father Migone said he
looks forward to the new pope uniting Catholics worldwide and keeping their
focus on Christ.
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