 |
|
| Bishop Robert C. Morlino talks to reporters about newly elected Pope Francis. (Catholic Herald photo by Kevin Wondrash) |
MADISON — Less than an hour after Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was announced as the new pope, taking the name Francis, Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison addressed reporters on the selection.
Bishop Morlino recalled being familiar with Cardinal Bergoglio from eight years ago, when Pope Benedict XVI was elected pope. Bergoglio was reportedly in heavy consideration to replace Pope John Paul II. Bishop Morlino said the new pope can be a leader who could “raise the Church out of mediocrity” around like world like he did in his native Argentina.
The bishop did admit he was a bit surprised when he saw the announcement. He assumed the choice would be one of the so-called “frontrunners” talked about in the Catholic and mainstream media. He said the new pope was someone who was “familiar, but wasn’t.”
Bishop Morlino also touched on the Jesuit background of the new pope, noting members of the order take a fourth vow of special obedience to the pope, along with poverty, chastity, and obedience. He also added the new pope’s work in Argentina will illustrate the Church as a “best friend to the poor.”
He also said the fact Pope Francis is from Latin America probably had little to do with his selection. He remarked, “God wanted to move in that direction, ” as far as what Pope Francis can do as the successor to St. Peter, and not the country he came from.
Bishop Morlino called Pope Francis “a great gift to the Church,” adding he’s someone who could urge Catholics to grow in personal holiness and zeal to the faith.
Pope Francis replaces Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down from the papacy at the end of last month.