Essex County Reacts to Election of Pope Francis

White smoke told the world that a new pope had been chosen Wednesday and soon after more than a billion Roman Catholics were introduced to their new leader, 76-year-old Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit Cardinal from Argentina. Bergoglio will go by the name of Francis.

Catholics in Essex County rejoiced at the news after being without a pope for about two weeks. Bergoglio was elected by his fellow cardinals as the successor of 85-year-old Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned last month saying he was no longer able to fulfill his duties.

"This is an exciting moment for all people," said Seton Hall University's Father Pablo Gadenz.

Gadenz said the new pope's roots are significant for New Jersey Catholics, many of whom are immigrants. Gadenz, who was born Chile, and raised in New Jersey, shared those Italian roots. He noted that Pope Francis has the potential to "bring the Americas together." 

World Youth Day, which is scheduled for 2013 in Brazil, is normally attended by the Pope, so Gadenz is optimistic that Pope Francis will journey to the Americas this year.

Gadenz said this is an exciting time to be at Seton Hall, since Pope Francis, a Jesuit, has a known commitment to education.

"For all Catholics, indeed for all Christians, the Pope is an important symbol," said Gadenz. "As Pope Francis said in his address, we are a fraternity. We have a new opportunity to reach out to one another."

At Caldwell College, a Catholic liberal arts school in Caldwell, students and faculty were glued to screens as the news unfolded from Vatican City.

When the identity of the new pope was announced, Colette Liddy, media relations director at Caldwell College, said she and Dominican Sister Honora Werner, along with students, saw live footage from a computer as Pope Francis stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. 

Liddy said she was moved by the experience of praying along with the world.

"He asked us to join him in prayer," said Liddy, a resident of Caldwell. "It was very moving and very humble of him."

Many news outlets are calling Bergoglio a humble man, a sentiment echoed by Pat Braz, co-owner of The Marian Shop in Caldwell.

Braz said choosing to be named for Francis of Assisi is telling of Bergoglio's character. She said Francis is the patron saint of animals and is known as a peacekeeper and gentle man. "I'm glad they chose a Latin [American]," she said, "I think that's probably the best thing for the Catholic Church."

"I think it's absolutely incredible to see the election of the Pope," said Caldwell College history major Rosie Burke.  "It's the one time that Catholics get worldwide attention." 

Burke will have a chance to see Pope Francis give the weekly Papal Blessing later this month while on a short study trip to Rome with 15 other Caldwell College students. The trip will be led by Caldwell College President Dr. Nancy Blattner.

James Flynn, an associate professor of philosophy at the college, remarked on the significance of the cardinals' choice coming from outside of Europe.

"I think that, given the international nature of the Church, it is wonderful they chose a new Pope from South America," Flynn said. "I also think it is great that he comes from such a renowned intellectual order in the Church, the Jesuits. It is an exciting time for the Church."

Terrie Michaels, an employee of Notre Dame Parish in North Caldwell, called this a memorable day.

"I was not in the office today, but did get to watch the news on my tablet in the car on the New Jersey Turnpike," Michaels said. "I guess I will always remember this pope election."

Victor Campos, originally from Costa Rica, was pleased with the election as he watched on television. "It's the first American," he said. "And it's important that he is from a Spanish-speaking country."

Even non-Catholics seemed pleased with the choice. "I'm thrilled, he's the first from Latin America," said Jonathan Citron, who is Jewish and works in Maplewood. "I think it's a great thing. I don't know his politics, but I think it's time the papacy is represented by areas other than Europe."

Sanjeev, a Morristown resident and a Muslim who is married to a Catholic woman, agreed. "It's a great thing to have a South American representative; there are more Catholics in South America than in North America and parts of Europe. It's great."