Pope Francis was chosen as the new leader of the catholic faith last week.

Father Don Reis of the catholic parishes of Greene County was very pleased when he heard the news from the Vatican City in Rome.  He says wasn’t surprised at how quickly the conclave came to a decision, but he was surprised that the cardinals chose someone from Argentina, South America.

Father Reis comments that Pope Francis has a unique background, not only is he the first pope selected from Latin America, but the culture of Argentina isn’t a typical first world setting.

“It is good to have him from what I would say a relatively a poor country.  Where there’s much larger issues and problems than there are in the United States.  Get someone from a part of the world that is aware of first world countries but not necessarily has lived all of his life in them.”

Another first for the new pope is the name he chose, Francis.  Father Reis points out that usually popes choose a name that is in succession of one before them, like Pope Benedict XVI.  Father Reis hopes that people will open their arms even more for Pope Francis since he believes St. Francis of Assisi is the most popular saint in our lifetimes.

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