.png)
UPDATE: Virgin Islanders react to new Pope selection!
Cardinal Bergoglio, 76, who is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to be pontiff, will call himself Francis I. He replaces Benedict XVI, who resigned last month at the age of 85, saying he was not strong enough to lead the Church.
Virgin Islands News Online spoke to several persons in the Catholic community on their reaction to the election of Pope Francis 1.
"I am pleased to know that the Pope is from Latin America. It is the first time that a Pope has been chosen out of Europe," said Elena.
Marieta said she was just glad that the Pope was chosen sooner than later. "I couldn't handle the suspense," she laughed.
Deandra said she hoped that the new Pope would spell a new era for the Catholic faith, which she said has been hurt by scandals.
Geraldine said she wasn't sure what to think but was just happy that there is a new Pope.
Mr Benjamin said he hoped the next Pope would be a black person. Nigel said he wasn't Catholic but hoped that the Church would pay more attention to the issues of molestation and homosexuality, which he said should be condemned always.
Meanwhile, Virgin Islands News Online had previously spoken to Priest of the St. William's Catholic Church on Tortola on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Fr Walter M. Mendonca S.V.D. said he felt the pope did make the right decision given his age and physical ability. “he saw his sufferings and the difficulties he had in executing his duties.” He said too that Pope John Paul was very feeble and had to be aided during his time to carry out his function.
“It was even hard for persons to simply understand what he had to say so I guess Pope Benedict was aware of that and didn’t not want to subject himself to such a thing and so he made the right decision,” said Fr Walter M. Mendonca S.V.D.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Eucharistic Minister Bro. Rudy J Blaize. “I think we as human beings always look at the human side of people, we don’t look at the spiritual side of people as we should.” The minister added that the pope was of the opinion that he could not physically carry out the responsibility as pope effectively. “So I believe he thinks the best thing for him is to retire and let someone who is more capable, physically and mentally to carry on the job and I think that’s the way we should look at it,” the minister had said.
See previous article posted on March 23, 2013
Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio elected Pope
(BBC NEWS)- Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has greeted crowds in Rome's St Peter's Square after his election as the Catholic Church's new Pope.
Appearing on a balcony over the square, he asked the faithful to pray for him. Cheers erupted as he gave a blessing.
The first Latin American and the first Jesuit to be pontiff, he will call himself Francis I.
An hour earlier, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney announced the new Pope's election.
Pope Francis, 76, replaces Benedict XVI, who resigned last month at the age of 85, saying he was not strong enough to lead the Church.
The 115 cardinals have been in isolation since Tuesday afternoon, and held four inconclusive votes.
At least 77 of them, or two-thirds, would have had to vote for a single candidate for him to be elected Pope.
Before the conclave began, there was no clear frontrunner to replace Benedict.
Crowds with umbrellas massed in the square flying flags from around the world.
The Catholic News Agency said people were running through the streets of Rome, hoping to reach St Peter's Square in time for the appearance of the new Pope.
_(1)1.png)
.png)
_-_Made_with_PosterMyWall.jpg)
4.png)
_01.png)
Follow Us On
35 Responses to “UPDATE: Virgin Islanders react to new Pope selection!”
300 years after Christ's execution as a criminal, Emporor Constantine publicly recognised the error of that judgement and allowed Christ's followers to practice their faith openly.
I am not into religion, but if you are going to be into religiion you have to know the history first. For my part, I always bear in mind that Christ was not a Christian, nor was Buddha a Buddhist. Let's emulate our spiritual teachers rather than idolize them.
especially with that dark cloud of abuse that has persisted over these few years with the abuse of boys. Welcome new pope
The Pope is a white man from Argentina of Italian descent. The man is clearly white.
Anyways, I sure he going to have his hands full, partying with Dennis Rodman in the weeks to come since big man in the Vatican waiting to lime wid him.
Su viaje será muy interesante.
Paz.
noun
1. a member of a Roman Catholic religious order (Society of Jesus) founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534.
2. ( often lowercase ) a crafty, intriguing, or equivocating person: so called in allusion to the methods ascribed to the order by its opponents.
adjective
3. of or pertaining to Jesuits or Jesuitism.
He is nationally but his parents are Italian so he's a caucasian!!