News

03/13/2013

ELMIRA, NY- The news from the Vatican has Southern Tier Catholics are excited about their new Pope.

            Deacon George Welch is just a small example of how Catholics around the world are feeling today, “It just brought great joy to me and I just got tears, I don't know why but it really is good.”

The suspense of not having a leader was almost too much to bear but now some expect great things to come.

“When I first saw it on the television I was with a patient, and the both of us where silent at first, but then just a sense of awe..a sense of realization that we do have a Pope,” said Deacon George Welch, of Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

     The new Pope's reputation for living humbly seems to be forging a quick connection with local Catholics.

“Before he talked to the audience he first ask for silence and asked the audience to pray for him rather then him pray for the audience, that really moved me,” said Chaplain Michael Francis Stanley, of Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

    Some expect Pope Francis to energize and reconnect those that might have been waiting for a sign of change to come.

“I think where excited and its good timing for it....and we didn't expect benedict to resign I think that was very courageous for him knowing that he is getting older and its hard to keep up.. and this new bishop is energetic.. in good health and well known,” said Father John DeScio, of Saint Mary’s Church.