Community Corner

New Pope Francis Elected: St Mary's of Colts Neck 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.

After just two days of papal conclave, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76 of Argentina, has been elected the new head of the Catholic Church.

With his chosen name of Francis, he is the first Jesuit and first Latin American Pope in the Catholic Church.

Deacon Vincent Rinaldi of St Mary's in Colts Neck said they are excited about the announcement, and finds hope in the simple life Bergoglio has lead.

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"I'm feeling great about it, I think he's the right man at the right time for the job. To be brutally honest with you, I truly believe in my heart of hearts that the Holy Spirit played a huge part in the election," Deacon Rinaldi said.

Rinaldi said being a Jesuit, Pope Francis is a natural educator.

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"He is the face love and compassion that the church needs at this time."

And while it only took two days for millions of Catholics around the world to see the white smoke at The Vatican, Deacon Rinaldi said he believes it was not a hasty decision.

"I think the reality is that they really prayed and search, and that they were in agreement that they felt that he was the right person...I look at it as agreement as opposed to haste."

Bergoglio received the second most votes in the last papal election, when Pope Benedict XVI was elected.

Tell Us: Which Cardinal would you have chosen to lead the Catholic Church? Let us know in the comments below.

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