Five Towns Catholic Priest Reacts to Election of New Pope

The Catholic conclave appointed the first-ever pope from the new world on Wednesday.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Argentina waved to the crowd of the faithful in the Vatican as Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Bergoglio is the first non-European leader of the church in more than a millennium.

Father Eric Fasano, of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Inwood, wrote the following to Patch about the new Pope's election:

"With the simple greeting, 'Buona sera' (good evening), Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, introduced himself to the world as Pope Francis. Catholics around the world rejoice that we once again have a Holy Father and Chief Shepherd of the Flock of Christ. Well-wishers of all faiths join us in celebrating the election of so important a spiritual leader.

Pope Francis is 76 years old, a member of the religious order of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), and the first Holy Father to take the name Francis. His reputation has been that of a very humble, spiritual, and effective pastoral leader and is known to have great love for the poor. It is said that he lives very simply, choosing to use public transportation and cooking his own meals.

I suspect that he will be an inspiration to many people both in word and deed. Let us pray with joyful hearts that God will grant him strength, wisdom and courage as he begins his reign as the 266th Successor of Saint Peter and Vicar of Christ on Earth!"