Community Corner

New Pope Francis Elected: Freehold Reacts

The white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signalling that the conclave had chosen Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church.

After just two days of papal conclave, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76 of Argentina, has been elected the new head of the Catholic Church.

With his chosen name of Francis, he is the first Jesuit and first Latin American Pope in the Catholic Church.

After the announcement of the new Pope, Freehold Patch Facebook fans explained their feelings towards Pope Francis.

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In response to our Facebook status which asked residents what their feelings were towards the new Pope, Kristen Carannante responded by saying "Early reports say he is a humble man who declines daily limo commutes and instead uses public transportation. A Jesuit to boot. It is time for a non-European pope, even though he is of European descent. Please let there be a heightened focus on the poor."

Shortly after Carannate's response, Lori Panettiere-Tocci weighed in on the status with "Fine choice!".

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Bergoglio received the second most votes in the last papal election, when Pope Benedict XVI was elected.

Tell Us: Which Cardinal would you have chosen to lead the Catholic Church? Let us know in the comments below.


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