Local Catholic Clergy Respond To New Pope Bergoglio Election
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Local clergy are looking forward to the leadership and guidance Jorge Mario Bergoglio will provide as the new Pope of the Catholic church. Bergoglio, 76, former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected Wednesday to replace Pope Benedict to lead the Catholic church. The 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, he chose the name Pope Francis. He is also the first non-European Pope in more than 1,200 years and the first member of the Jesuit order to lead the church. Local Catholic clergy provided their insight on Bergoglio being elected to the position. Father Drew Curry, who pastors St. Francis Xavier Parish, Pierceton, and St. Roberts Bellarmine, North Manchester, said Bergoglio has been a big part of the Catholic Church for some time. Curry said it has been said Bergoglio was second in line to replace Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict replaced Paul II. Curry said he feels Bergoglio will be a leader who will provide humility and simplicity and bring joy to the Catholic church. Curry said when Bergoglio was made a Cardinal of the church in Rome he was given the St. Roberts Bellarmine Church to pastor, which is the name of the church Curry pastors in North Manchester. Bergoglio was a Jesuit and Curry said both of his parishes have Jesuit patrons. Curry said every couple of years the Catholic Church celebrates World Youth Day, a week-long Catholic celebration for youth. The Pope visits the city and this year the celebration will be in Rio de Janeiro. Father Phil DeVolder, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, said he feels Bergoglio is a good choice to serve as Pope. He said Bergoglio is known to be a prayerful, quiet, humble and simple man and holds the teachings of the Catholic church. DeVolder said the Pope’s challenge is to present faith to those of different cultures and backgrounds. “I think one of our greatest challenges around the world is to present faith in a way that is faithful to our tradition and in a way people can understand better,” DeVolder said. Father Richard Hire, Saint Martin De Porres Parrish, Syracuse, said the new pope seems to be someone who wants to help and keep the Catholic church growing. “He comes across as humble and someone who is always smiling and dedicated to helping the poor,” Hire said.
