Local Latin American Catholics overjoyed with new pope
Posted at: 03/13/2013 11:19 PM
By: Amanda Ciavarri | WHEC.com
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Pope Francis is the first Latin American pope to be chosen. This new direction is giving Latin American communities around the world cause to celebrate, including right here in Rochester.
News10NBC spoke to some of local Latin American Catholics about what this historical day means to them. Many said this gives the church hope.
They feel the fact the Vatican is going in a new direction means they are open to change. That is something members of the Latin American Catholic community here in Rochester say they are ready to see.
“We are making history. We are making history in the history of the church,” said local Catholic Ray Perez.
The Latin American Catholic community in Rochester was overjoyed Wednesday night.
Pope Francis not only represents their faith, but also their heritage.
“It gives us great joy to have someone of this hemisphere to be elected pope, someone who represents the Latin American community and someone who might come with a whole new perspective about what the mission is for the pope,” said Perez.
With this being a huge moment for the Catholic faith, those News10NBC spoke to on Wednesday say they hope this pope keeps the momentum going.
“I was thrilled because we finally got someone, I feel, that isn't from Europe and it's going to be different. We need change. We need something to bring youth back to the church. I just feel like this is the change we needed,” said local Catholic Regina Civiletti.
So what change do the people want to see the pope bring?
I hope he brings some peace to all the chaos that has been in this church and I also hope that he values our young people,” said Civiletti.
“Great pride, great joy to any leader that represents you. It's a great feeling cause you are being represented,” said Perez.
Those in the local Latin American Catholic community say they do plan to celebrate the election of the Pope Francis.
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