Catholics in Baldwin Park React to New Pope Francis Election

Baldwin Park Catholics reacted with excitement to the news that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected the new pope.

On Wednesday, Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis, appeared on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square after news outlets reported that white smoke was pouring from a Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election of a new pope.

"It was really exciting to see someone from Latin America being elected the new pope," said Angela Rufino, a resident who was on her way to mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Baldwin Park. "It is a blessing for all of us Latinos."

"I hope he make some changes we have been waiting,", added Raul Nolasco, another parishioner. "It is good to have a Pope who will speak Spanish."

Cardinal Roger Mahony, the former archbishop of the nearly 5 million-strong Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was among the cardinals at the Vatican who took part in the selection of the new pope.

On his Twitter page, Mahony hailed the selection of Pope Francis.

"It happened! First time for a pope from the Southern Hemisphere and from Latin America,'' he wrote. "I'm ecstatic! Pope Francis I will be a great gift!''

The Guardian describes Bergoglio as "a Jesuit intellectual who travels by bus and has a practical approach to poverty."

Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, elected in 2005, became the first pope to resign in 600 years last month.

Diocese of Orange Bishop Kevin W. Vann, who learned Spanish to better connect with parishioners, said he felt a sense of pride for Latinos.

"Having learned Spanish to walk with the Hispanic people, they've been a big part of my life, so I feel a lot of pride,'' Vann told City News Service.

Vann said he was also impressed with the way Francis connected with his flock today, especially when he humbly asked for prayers.

"He asked them to pray for him. I think that was very significant,'' Vann said. ``I think that shows who the man is and we're going to see that in every part of his life.''

Even the choice of St. Francis of Assisi as the inspiration for his name will resonate with Latino Catholics, Vann said.

"Francis makes an immediate connection with the Italians and Hispanics,'' Vann said, noting that St. Francis was Italian, and the Franciscan order is responsible for many of the missions in California and Texas.

Francis' comment that the cardinals picked someone from a "far away country,'' invoked memories for Vann of his time in seminary when Pope John Paul II was selected.

"Pope John Paul II used the same kind of language. That was the first thought that came to me,'' Vann said.

- With information from City News Service

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