New Pope Francis I Elected: Catholics in Sewickley React
The white smoke appears Wednesday, signaling that the conclave had chosen Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church. Locals across the Sewickley Valley respond.
Karin Masterani said everyone in the office at St. James Parish kept watch, checking the online news and waiting for the moment when the white smoke would eventually appear. She called Wednesday's election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as the new pope an exciting moment. He will assume the papal name Francis I. "It's another historical part in our life," said Masterani, office manager at St. James. Pope Francis, who had been the archbishop of Buenos Aires, was greeted by thousands Wednesday who gathered at the Vatican. Pope Francis is the first pontiff to come from the Americas after dominance by Catholic leaders from Europe. He's also the first Jesuit pope. After the announcement, several church bells rang out, including …
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