LIHU‘E — Local church leaders are expressing their excitement surrounding Wednesday’s election of a new pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Jorge Bergoglio, 76, of Buenos Aires, became the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years, as well
LIHU‘E — Local church leaders are expressing their excitement surrounding Wednesday’s election of a new pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
Jorge Bergoglio, 76, of Buenos Aires, became the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years, as well as the first from South America. He has chosen the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi.
“I would presume (he chose the name) because Francis is a very humble man, known the world over as someone who is just on fire for love for the Lord Jesus and who worked diligently to spread that love throughout the world,” Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu said after hearing the news. “I’m sure that’s the desire of the new holy father … to let his love for the Lord set fire to the world.”
Silva described having a pope from Latin America as “wonderful” and said the church has experienced most of its growth over the last two decades in the southern hemisphere, including Latin America and Africa.
“I think it’s a very refreshing thing and I think it’s an indication that the church is universal,” he said. “It is based in Rome, but it is universal.”
The Rev. William Shannon of Immaculate Conception Parish in Lihu‘e voiced similar feelings about Wednesday’s announcement, signaled by white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
“It underscores the word ‘Catholic,’ which means universal,” he said. “I’m very excited. I didn’t know much about the new pope before … (but) being a Jesuit priest, that’s something that’s very positive.”
Shannon described the new pope’s choice to be called Francis as “unprecedented.”
“Popes kind of shy away from that,” he said. “I think he chose that name very deliberately … In the past, (Pope Francis) has been perceived as a very warm and humble man, a very clear thinker.”
The Rev. Edison Pamintuan of Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo said he was happy to see a new pope elected Wednesday and was “very moved by (Pope Francis’) humility,” especially when he asked the tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for both him and his predecessor.
“For me as a priest, it doesn’t matter where the cardinal becoming a pope comes from,” Pamintuan said. “I’m most interested in what the pope will bring to the table.”
Pamintuan believes Pope Francis will bring both humility and simplicity to the position.
“I’m also excited as we move forward to see what happens with the Catholic Church,” he said.
Silva admitted he was “a little surprised” by the cardinals’ selection of a 76-year-old leader.
“But then again, Pope Benedict (XVI) had a very fruitful eight years,” he said. “I wish him long life and many happy, healthy years.”
Shannon said he felt retired Pope Benedict XVI’s somewhat surprising decision to step down last month was well conceived.
“He would rather see a smooth transition,” he said.
Pamintuan agreed, describing the act as an “example of humility of not clinging to power.”
As for the new pope, Shannon said he believes Francis’ election signifies a promising future for the church.
“It is a whole new chapter in papal history,” he said.
