Providence College reacts to naming of new Pope - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Providence College reacts to naming of new Pope

by James Swierzbin

JSwierzbin@abc6.com

Dozens of students gathered at a Providence College chapel on Wednesday night to pray for the new Pope.

Excitement and hope were the two words heard most on campus on Wednesday when talking about the election of Pope Francis.

Excitement about him being a pope of many firsts and hope that he will do great things as he steers his billion-member flock into the future.

Students at the night-time mass for the new pontiff thought it was important to pray for his success.

"I think it's really important  for us in the Catholic Church to pray for him as he starts his new ministry." said PC senior Emily Roblee.

Pope Francis's Latin American roots are exciting to Catholics from the region, including PC Junior Beatriz Forster, who's from Brazil.

"This is just an incredible day, I'm sure that I'm never gonna forget this day. We need this man to do something great with the church so it's extremely exciting to be watching this all unfold, you know?"

Pope Francis's selection as pontiff came as a surprise to just about everyone, but those who know a little about the holy man from Argentina, think that his mix of humility and heart are just what the church needs right now.

"This is a man who takes the bus to work, this is a man who doesn't employ a kitchen staff, but cooks for himself. When he was made a cardinal he encouraged all the people in his diocese, 'Don't fly out to watch me get the red hat, instead take the money, save the money, and give it to the poor'" said PC Chaplain, Father James Cuddy.

Because Pope Francis comes from Latin America, PC theology professor Dr. James Keating believes that the new Pope brings with him a unique perspective.

A perspective that will set this Pope apart from all the European popes who have come before him.

"He's very concerned about economic justice for the poor. Having a Pope from the 3rd world or the developing world, that's going to be something very new for people."

Dr. Keating also says that the dynamic between Pope Francis and other Jesuits will be interesting to watch, because the previous two popes, didn't get along too well with members of the Jesuit religious order.