By Matthew Laurrie
Features Editor
Just after 7 p.m. Central European Time Wednesday, white plumes of smoke bellowed out of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to signify the appointment of Pope Francis I, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
The College of Cardinals selected Pope Francis in a two-thirds majority vote after five rounds of balloting during a sequestered meeting called a conclave, according to an Associated Press article. Jorge Bergoglio, a 76-year-old Jesuit from Argentina, became the first-ever pope from the Americas. The selection process for the new official began Tuesday, almost a month after Benedict XVI announced his resignation – the first pope to do so in over 600 years.
As thousands of onlookers in St. Peter’s Square shouted “Habemus Papam!” or “We have a pope!” toward the balcony of the Vatican, St. Bonaventure University was abuzz with excitement about the news.
Brother Kevin Kriso, O.F.M, said it seems Pope Francis will bring freshness to the papacy, and his background as a man from Argentina will allow him to enlighten the Catholic community with an interesting new perspective.
“I think Pope Francis appears to be a dynamic man who’s able to speak to people, speak to their hearts and inspire them to take a look at their faith and values,” Brother Kevin said.
The name the pope adopted initially struck the campus community because of its connection to St. Francis of Assisi, a well-known name and figure in Bonaventure tradition. Brother Kevin said the name choice is relevant to the ideals and messages Bona’s believes in.
“I like the fact he chose the name Francis,” he said. “A lot of times, popes will pick names that are significant to them. I think it shows evident devotion to St. Francis and the fact that he will try to follow or at least be excited about things that St. Francis did.”
Pope Francis made a public address after information about his papacy became known. He spoke of the importance of “love and mutual trust” in embracing spirituality, according to a Huffington Post article.
“He addressed the people of Rome; he wanted to identify with his responsibilities as the Bishop of Rome,” said Father James Vacco, O.F.M., adjunct faculty member of Clare College and theology. “He acknowledges that the position of the Bishop of Rome is to preside in charity, not in authority over all the other churches.”
Bob Donius, professor of Clare College, also weighed in on the selection of Pope Francis. He explained the new pontiff should be a virtuous man that acts as a voice for people all over the world.
“(The pope) needs to be someone who honors the sacred traditions of all people, and the holy walk of each person,” Donius said. “With that respect, we will move forward as a church and as a world. I am delighted that as a native Argentinian, Pope Francis will widen our multicultural understanding.”
Donius also reflected on the unusually speedy nature of the conclave, and explained the pope is the man whom the cardinal’s feel will be most effective in carrying out the mission of the Catholic Church.
“The cardinals know, love and respect each other,” he said. “They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I think the choice was relatively quick because Pope Francis was discerned to have the gifts needed for this time in the life of the church.”
Brother Ed Coughlin, O.F.M., said the selection of the pope might cause people to consider their beliefs and recognize the value of living in harmony as children of God.
“As with any change, there is the push and the pull to move ahead or hold on,” Brother Ed said. “Those are ongoing struggles within the church, even as the church must increasingly find its place in the world and speak a word of hope to a world, articulate a vision about how humanity might live together in peace and care for the most needy and vulnerable among us.”
Billy Weltzer, a freshman history major, said he thinks the election of a new pope will promote stability in the Catholic faith and said he is eager to see how Pope Francis preforms his duties in the future.
“It really gives the Catholic community a leader to look toward,” Weltzer said. “I’m interested to see how Pope Francis is down the road, but as of right now I trust the cardinals and their decision. I hope that this is a stepping stone for peace and acceptance between religions and others’ views.”
Dominique DeGregorio, a sophomore sports studies major, said she was in the Merton Center when the new pope made his public debut.
“I was with a group gathered in UMin and among the people there were friars, sisters, fellow classmates and other members of ministry and faculty,” DeGregorio said. “We were just all so excited to see the new pope.”
Pope Francis has assumed the famous white robes that designate him as the head of the Catholic Church, and must now prepare to embark on the journey of his papacy.
