St. Bart’s Pastor Says New Pope’s Choice of the Name Francis is “Profound”

Rev. John Paladino the pastor of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Parish in Scotch Plains said the choice of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Argentina to choose the name Pope Francis was “profound” given the man St. Francis was known to be.

CNN reported that at about 3:15 p.m. eastern time, it was announced at the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square that Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen as the next Pope and he chose the name Francis.

“St. Francis was known to be a man that was humble, prayerful, peaceful and had a tremendous love for the poor. This seems to have been the hallmark of the newly elected Pope Francis' ministry, while he was the Cardinal Archbishop in Argentina.,” Paladino told Patch. “These attributes will serve him well as he begins his new ministry in Rome.”

Paladino added that the choice made by the College of Cardinals to choose Bergoglio, a Jesuit, is a pleasant surprise.

He added that he believes the Cardinals have chosen someone who can rebuild aspects of the church that need attention.

“St. Francis was told by Our Lord in a dream to ‘rebuild my Church.’ He will be inheriting a church wrestling with an array of challenges.” Paladino stated. “I look forward with hope.”

Diane McGee Pastoral Associate for Religious Education at St. Bart’s said this afternoon was a moment in history when a Jesuit bishop from South America was announced as Pope.

“Our world needs leaders who understand the struggles in our world community and who will serve all of humanity through God's Word and peace,” McGee expressed.  “I feel the College of Cardinals chose the right man.  He will serve us well.”

Bergoglio is the first non-European pope in the modern era, as well as the first South American pope and he also is the first Pope to choose the name Francis, according to CNN.