Pope Francis Welcomed By Catholics In Madison, Statewide With Open Arms, Full Hearts

Patti Atwater, a Madison Patch reader, summed up the excitement about the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as pope of the Roman Catholic Church Wednesday afternoon. 

"God Bless Pope Francis!" Patti wrote on the Madison Patch Facebook page. 

An Argentinian of Italian descent, Cardinal Bergoglio made history Wednesday by becoming the first pontiff who comes from a Jesuit order, and the first non-European to fill the top spot in the church for more than 1,200 years, The New York Times reports. The New York Times article describes Pope Francis as a man who loves soccer, who reaches out to the poor, who prefers a small apartment to a grand palace, and who cooks his own meals. 

The Huffington Post noted the new pope has many challenges to face: 

The new pope steps into the papacy during a key period of transformation for the Roman Catholic Church. He faces a rising tide of secularism in Europe and western nations, and growth in other parts of the world, including his home continent, South America. During Benedict's tenure, multiple priest abuse scandals rocked the church in several nations, and Francis will have to confront the damage done to the church's reputation. The Vatican is also battling internal political turmoil, including VatiLeaks, the scandal involving a series of confidential Vatican documents released to the media during Benedict's papacy.

The Huffington Post also quoted Jesuit priest and magazine editor The Rev. James Martin, as saying, the "choice of a Jesuit pope fills me with joy ... The name Francis is a clear indication of his desire to focus on the poor."

"I <3 Jesuits" 

Shannon Baker celebrated the selection of Pope Francis by finding a picture of herself wearing a t-shirt that says "I <3 Jesuits" and posting it on her Facebook page. I asked her later what she thought of the new pope and she offered these "few humble thoughts." 

Although our church has had some difficulties, I truly believe the holiness, humility and intellect of Pope Francis brings tremendous hope and excitement to all Christians! As a Catholic who was raised around and educated by Jesuits, I warmly and proudly welcome Pope Francis! I believe that in choosing to be named after St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis will be a lover of the poor, the disenfranchised and those facing injustice," Shannon wrote. "I pray that he moves our church forward in a compassionate and inclusive direction."

Around Connecticut, Catholic leaders also rejoiced in the selection of the new pope. 

"It is a joyous day, one filled with hope and promise"

“This is an historic day, one which we all will always remember, recalling where we were and what we were doing at the time," said Hartford Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, in a prepared statement. "It will be etched in the memories of people across the world. We share this momentous day with over 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide and people of every faith. It is a joyous day, one filled with hope and promise."

Archbishop Mansell said the announcement of Pope Francis is one that will affect people everywhere, "because of the Catholic Church’s longstanding tradition of providing services to people of every background."

"His opening address to us was enhanced by his immediate call for prayer, asking all of us to pray for him and assuring us of his ongoing prayers for ourselves," Archbishop Mansell said. "Today’s exhilarating event will inspire our ongoing prayers for him for all the years ahead.”

"We are grateful. We are excited. We are overflowing with hope ... " 

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, said that he joyfully welcomes His Holiness, Pope Francis.

"I join at this moment with all Catholics, all people of faith and all diocesan faithful in expressing our thanksgiving for this joy-filled moment of welcoming His Holiness, Pope Francis. The extraordinary events of the past month--sudden as they have been-- have brought us the gift of a new Shepherd prepared for this moment-- for this time," Bishop Cote said. "We are grateful. We are excited. We are overflowing with hope and a deep sense of renewal."

Bishop Cote said that, as the first pope ever chosen from South America, "the Holy Father will have a special appreciation for the prosperity of faith in Latin America."

"Felicidades Santo Padre, Papa Francis," he said. "We welcome the Holy Father with open arms. This is an inspired moment. The light of Christ shines brightly this evening."