New Pope Francis Elected: Woburn-based Priest Reacts

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was named Pope Francis I today and the news was welcomed by Father John Carroll of Saint Anthony's Parish.

"I'm very excited," he said. "He’s worked with the poor. He’s worked with the underprivileged. Think reason took the name because of St. Francis of Assisi, a poor friar who worked with the poor and worked with the people very well."

When asked what he hoped the new Pope would bring to the church, Father Carroll said new energy and someone who can address some of the problems facing the institution.

"The Church needs renewal," he said. "It needs someone who is with the people. It also need someone who can address the issues in church structure and can be very straightforward. That is one thing they say about him, he is very straightforward with his decision-making process."

"The Church is changing - there are things from history and things that happened as of late and I think he’ll be the right person to lead. We’re very happy about this choice. Very happy about what I’ve seen." 

Finally, Carroll said he was moved when Pope Francis bowed in prayer before the crowd gathered at the Vatican.

"I think one of the things that is an example to all of us is when he bowed before the people and asked for their prayers," he said. "It showed me his humility. God always took the weak and made them strong. To see that happening, you can see this man is a Pope of the people."