In Port Washington, 'Delight' in New Pope

Many in Port Washington cheered along with the rest of the world Wednesday afternoon when they learned that  Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina was named the new Pope.

The joy was notable at St. Peter of Alcantara.

“We’re delighted,” said Sister Peggy Tully, O.P.  “We believe the Holy Spirit has certainly been a part of this process.”

Pope Francis, as he is now called, is a “wonderful model of inspiration,” the Dominican nun added.

Asked about his Argentinean roots, Sister Peggy said, “Our Spanish community will be so delighted.”

The parish, she said, would be celebrating news in “Thanksgiving to God,” and to “intercede that God will give him good health to deal with the church.”

The election of Bergoglio came on the second day of the Conclave, the centuries-old tradition of balloting used by 115 College of Cardinals to elect a successor to the Throne of St Peter. The final ballot was the fifth one, and white smoke appeared over the famed Sistine Chapel at 7:05 p.m. (CET in Rome) or 2:05 p.m. in New York.

That role known as the Vicar of Christ became vacant last month when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down, citing his age and infirmity.

According to Catholic tradition, the newly appointed Bishop of Rome is the 266th successor of St. Peter and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church of 1.2 billion Catholics.