Community Corner
New Pope Francis Elected: St. Anthony's of Hightstown Reacts
The white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signalling that the conclave had chosen Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church.
Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the new pope of the Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 13. Bergoglio, 76, chose the name Francis I. He is the first Jesuit pope and first Latin American pope in Papal history.
Rev. Patrick J. McDonnell, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Hightstown, said he was pleasantly surprised at the selection.
“I think this is going to be a good pope, he’s a Jesuit and he has the ability now to communicate with so many Latino people, it’s going to be a great papacy,” Rev. McDonnell said.
During the two day conclave, news outlets were speculating that different Cardinals were going to be elected pope and Rev. McDonnell said that “whenever that happens the Holy Spirit has different plans.”
St. Anthony has been the home to Borough Catholics since 1885 and holds both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking masses for the community.
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