Community Corner
New Pope Francis I Elected: Levittown Reacts
The white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signaling that the conclave had chosen Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church.
Local residents have responded to the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, the first South American ever to lead the church.
He last served as President of the Bishops' Conference of Argentina from Nov. 8, 2005 to Nov. 8, 2011.
Bergoglio, 76, will be called Francis, and he is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Early reactions from Levittown residents on Facebook showed mixed feelings:
"Should have elected someone younger," said Maureen Majewski- Bishop.
Others had more positive things to say:
"He is just perfect, a saint that will for sure guide is in the best way possible. May God bless him with enough health to provide us the guidance that we need," said Ana Carolina Pastore.
The Diocese of Rockville Centre had this to say:
"Bishop William Murphy and the Roman Catholic Church of Rockville Centre join the universal Church in rejoicing in the selection of Francis I as Pope.
We give thanks to God for the gift of Pope Francis I, the 266th successor of Saint Peter, the Vicar of Christ on earth.
We join the Church in prayer for our new Holy Father as he begins his new ministry."
A reaction from St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Levittown was not immediately available.
What do you think of the selection of the new Pope? Tell us in the comments below.
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