New Pope Has a Reputation for Serving the Poor; Local Catholics React

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected by his fellow cardinals to lead the Roman Catholic Church in Rome on Wednesday.

A 76-year-old from Argentina, Bergoglio took the name Francis. He is the first Latin American pope and also the first Jesuit.

Linda Dunne Garro pointed out on the Granby's Patch Facebook page that "Nearly half of the world's billion Catholics are in South America," and Laurie White said, "I am hopeful. God is in control."

Father Jay Cretella, or 'Father Jay' as he is know by his parishoners at St. Bernard's Church in Tariffville, believes the right choice was made.

"I think that this is what our church needs — a man who focuses on the people," Cretella said.

At St. Catherine of Siena Church in Simsbury, Father Michael Whyte was also pleased to hear the news.

"I think it's wonderful. I was surprised that it happened so quickly," Whyte said.

Cretella said Bergoglio's choice of the name Francis is fitting considering the legacy of the three saints named Francis and their dedication to serving the poor.

"All in all I think we're turning a new chapter in our church," Cretella said.

Whyte was happy to see such a humble man who is concerned about the poor and is a true believer in the ministry of Christ chosen to lead the church.

"When he stepped out on the balcony he seemed shocked that so many people were there," Whyte said.

Earlier this week, as the world's 1.2 billion Catholics waited to see who emerged as the church's new leader in Rome, Hartford Archbishop Henry J. Mansell told WTIC radio that regardless of the cardinals' decision, charity will remain a cornerstone of Catholicism, both abroad and here in Connecticut.

"There's no other organization as prepared and as able to serve as many people in poor and in need," Mansell said to WTIC on Tuesday morning, citing the Catholic Church as the largest non-governmental provider of medical and educational services in the state and in the world.

On Wednesday, Mansell had this to say after the new pope was announced:

“This is an historic day, one which we all will always remember, recalling where we were and what we were doing at the time. It will be etched in the memories of people across the world. We share this momentous day with over 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide and people of every faith. It is a joyous day, one filled with hope and promise. The announcement of Pope Francis is one that will affect people everywhere, because of the Catholic Church’s longstanding tradition of providing services to people of every background.

Across the U.S. and in Connecticut, the Catholic population has seen a decline in recent years.

According to data from the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, the number of Catholic adherents has fallen from 2000 to 2010 in every Connecticut county. And a Trinity College study conducted in 2009 showed the number of Catholics in New England dropping from 50 percent in 1990 to 36 percent in 2008.

In Hartford County, the number of Catholics adherents dropped 19 percent between 2000 and 2010.