New Pope Selection Brings 'Joy, Relief' to St. Joseph Parish Clergy

St. Joseph's Parish associate Pastor Louis Bianco spent hours watching live coverage of Conclave—at home, in his office and on his iPad.

"Just praying and waiting," Bianco, who joined the Fullerton church in July, said.

Then Wednesday, it was decided. As white smoke billowed from the Vatican chimney, Bianco said he immediate felt "joy and relief."

"The sentiment is first of all is joy that we have a new holy father to lead the church," Bianco said. "[Then it became] thanks giving that we have a Pope and perhaps a surprise for a lot of people."

Bianco, interestingly enough, explained that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires and new Pope, was actually runner up to now Pope Emeritus Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger.

Bergoglio wasn't thought of as a front-runner this time around, Bianco said, speculating that it could've been his advanced age. Bergoglio is 76-years-old.

Bianco said the Catholic church in Fullerton did not have any special plans to commemorate Wednesday's announcement. He did however encourage congregants and Catholics throughout Perry Hall and Parkville to standby for announcement from the Archdiocese of Baltimore for a special mass or celebration.

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