Catholics in the Western Wards today (March 14) celebrated the election of the new Pope.
Father John hoisting the Vatican flag
Worshippers hoisted the Vatican flags at St Margaret Mary Church in Park Gate and prayed for Pope Francis, who has been appointed as the 266th Pope after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI earlier this year.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, from Argentina, was last night elected at the Vatican as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church to oversee the millions of Catholics world wide.
Father John Cooke, leader of the Park Gate church in Middle Road, said: “We are delighted with the extraordinary news and events of the last day or so.
“The speed of the decision and election of the successor has caught everybody by surprise.
“I was glued to the TV and delayed an appointment last night just to see the events unfold in St Peter’s Square. It was history in the making and I wasn’t going to miss it.
“From what we have heard, he is a great man – with great solidarity with the poor. Also, he is a very humble man - cooking his own dinner in his apartment and travelling by bus - which struck me last night when we first saw him and his almost shy entrance.
“His words, though, were definitely not shy as he called us to follow Christ in reaching out to those on the edge and the lost.
“I was also struck by him referring to himself as the Bishop of Rome, showing solidarity with his brother Cardinals. One of the titles of the Holy Father is Servant of the Servants of God.
“It sounds like he is a very good administrator so I think we can expect some changes within the Vatican. It was a non-European appointment, as was predicted, but one with Italian roots!”
A special additional mass of Thanksgiving was held at St Margaret Mary Church at 9.45am with songs and prayer and the Vatican flags were hoisted high in the church. They will also pray for the former Pope and the new leader during prayers and masses this Sunday.
Pope Francis
Father John added: “Our Bishop has asked that we pray that the Holy Spirit inspire him with all the spiritual gifts needed for the work of new evangelisation, and also that God grant him the personal health and strength for the challenges ahead.
“But above all, it was quite extraordinary the way that he, in great humility, came out on the balcony and bowed to the crowds gathered, asking the people to bless him with prayer before he called on God to bless them. I have never seen that before.
“He seemed to add an element of humour, with a warm smile too – and in Biblical tradition – God is present in joy. Exciting times lie ahead.
“Of course, his new appointment will also be fondly celebrated during our Holy Week and Easter celebrations to which everyone is very welcome.”