Here is a round up of the Pennsylvania Bishops’ reactions to Pope Francis. Click on the links to read their statements in full.
Archbishop Chaput of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said, ” I first met our new Holy Father at Rome’s 1997 Synod for America, and still have a gift from him, a portrait of Mary, the mother of Jesus, on my desk. Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Bergoglio, is a man from the new heartland of the global Church; a priest of extraordinary intellectual and cultural strengths; a man deeply engaged in the issues of contemporary life and able to speak to the modern heart; open to the new realities the Church faces; and rooted in a deep love of Jesus Christ. ”
Archbishop Soroka of the Ukranian Archeparchy of Philadelphia said in a_statement, “We are especially pleased to learn of the Holy Father’s personal knowledge and experience with Eastern Catholics while ministering as Cardinal Archbishop in Argentina. As members of the largest Eastern Catholic Church in union with Rome, we look forward to Pope Francis’ continued close relationship with Eastern Catholics throughout the world, and particularly in the United States of America and in our native Ukraine.”
Archbishop Skurla of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh said, “As we begin to remember his name in the litanies of the Divine Liturgy and in our daily prayer, we ask that our new Pope receives strength from the Father and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. As he assumes his place as our Holy Father, we wish him peace, health, and happiness for many blessed and happy years.”
Bishop Barres of the Diocese of Allentown shared his excitement about Pope Francis in this interview.
Bishop Bartchak of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown said, ” I join with all of the people of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and Catholics throughout the world in rejoicing at the news of the election of Pope Francis I.”
Bishop Persico of the Diocese of Erie spoke in this news interview about humility and the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Brandt of the Diocese of Greensburg said, “The Holy Spirit, who has guided the Catholic Church through these two millennia, has once again guided the election of a new shepherd, the spiritual leader of nearly 1.2 billion Catholics in our world today.”
Bishop McFadden of the Diocese of Harrisburg held a press conference. Watch the video here:
Bishop Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh said, “Our new Holy Father brings with him the experience of a dedicated pastor who has served the Church so well in his many years of ordained ministry. That experience – and the rock-steady faith that has guided him – will be his comfort and strength in the challenging days ahead.”
Bishop Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton said, “As a leader dedicated to renewal and the work of evangelization, Pope Francis’ actions and words have long served as examples of Christ’s selfless love for all people, ensuring a sense of welcome, respect and care for all.”
