by John Fanta ’13
The first ever Jesuit pontiff, Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, has become Pope Francis. He is the first pope in the modern era from outside Europe. A man who majored in chemistry, Francis is quite intellectual. He has been a cardinal since 2001, as he has served as the president of the Argentine Bishops Conference from 2005-2011.
Jesuit institutions all around the world are celebrating the first ever Jesuit pope, as Saint Ignatius men celebrated throughout the afternoon. At 2:06 pm eastern time, white smoke was bellowing out of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, signaling that a pope had been elected. About halfway through 9th period in the school day, the announcement on the PA came on with the words “Habemus Papam,” which means “we have a pope” in Latin. Immediately, the 1400+ students, faculty, and staff filed down to just outside of Saint Mary of the Assumption Chapel. Father Frank Canfield, SJ led a prayer service to celebrate the day of hope and excitement in the Catholic Church. It was 2:45 pm eastern time when everyone began to file back to classrooms, as the real celebration was just beginning. Just a little after 3 pm, the whole senior lounge was packed, with a standing-room only crowd. Everyone was watching and waiting for the big announcement. Cheers were heard from the men and campus ministers when a Jesuit was announced.
As Anthony Ertle ’13 put it, “This is an exciting day for the Catholic Church, and it’s one that gives us hope for the future. It’s really a great day for us Catholics.” Mr. Ed DeVenney, Saint Ignatius Campus Minister, was sitting right near me throughout all of the TV coverage. “What an awesome day it truly is. It is important that we gather outside the chapel and pray,” he said.
Yes, the Catholic Church has had its tough days with a decrease in those wanting to enter into the priesthood. A day like this can put a smile on our faces as Catholics. It’s a day to be proud. It’s a day to look forward in the Catholic Church.
