Archbishop Chaput: Pope Francis A 'Wonderful Choice' - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Archbishop Chaput: Pope Francis A 'Wonderful Choice'

Posted: Updated:
PHILADELPHIA -

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput described Pope Francis as a priest of "extraordinary intellectual and cultural strengths" in a statement issued not long after the conclave elected the new pope Wednesday.

In the statement, Chaput said "He (Pope Francis ) is a wonderful choice, a pastor God sends not just to the church but to every person of good will who honestly yearns for justice, peace and human dignity in our time."

Chaput recalled his first meeting with the new pope in 1997 in Rome's Synod for America. Chaput says he still has a gift from him that sits on his desk.

In the statement, Chaput called Pope Francis a man "deeply engaged in the issues of contemporary life and able to speak to the modern heart."

Chaput believes Pope Francis is open to the "new realities" the church faces.

The new pope was elected during the second day of the conclave, which began Tuesday. White smoke could be seen billowing from the chimney shortly after 2 p.m. The sight of the white smoke sent a massive crowd at St. Peter's Square into loud cheers.

  • Local News

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:07:39 GMT
    Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
    Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:57:09 GMT
    A former teacher in central Pennsylvania is charged with allowing a student to perform body piercings in class. The teacher at Northern York County High School resigned after the incident last April.
    A former teacher in central Pennsylvania is charged with allowing a student to perform body piercings in class. The teacher at Northern York County High School resigned after the incident last April.
  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:31 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:31:56 GMT
    Philadelphia is set to unload vacant properties, for the right price.
    Philadelphia is set to unload vacant properties, for the right price.
Powered by WorldNow

WTXF-TV
330 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796

Phone: (215) 925-2929
Fax: (215) 982-5494

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices