Local Catholic leaders optimistic about new Pope
Posted Mar 13, 2013 4:06 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Catholics in Calgary say they are pleasantly surprised by the choice of Argentinean Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the new pope.
The parish at St. Mary’s Cathedral on 18th Ave S.W. is excited about the selection.
Father Greg Coupal says the selection of a pope on this side of the world has never happened before, and it came as a complete surprise.
Although Coupal knew Bergoglio’s name was in the running, he wasn’t sure he would be chosen.
He tells 660News the selection of Francis as his name, also signals a lot of what he will bring to the Catholic church as pope.
“I think he will in some way exemplify the spirit of St. Francis. His humility, his poverty; I think we’ll see some of that, a lot of that throughout his papacy.”
Associate Pastor Father Joe says he’s looking forward to the future.
“He will make a terrific change in the field of peace.” He says.
Father Coupal says he’s known to be a manager with great administrative skills, and those will be put to good use as head of the Catholic church.
