Joy and compassion

Fr. Virgino Bressanelli, former SCJ superior general and bishop of Neuquén, Argentina, reflected on the appointment of his fellow countryman and bishop as pope:

“I do not know how to express my feelings at this time. On the one hand there is great joy but on the other hand, I have a great compassion for Pope Francis, who will face many challenges.

“I think that the choice of the name ‘Francis’ gives an impression of how he views the life of the Church and its ministry: a Church that is simpler, more humble, far from human power; one that announces Christ with joy and bravery.

“I know him well because in recent years he has been a brother and a father to me in relation to my episcopal ministry. I feel very committed to pray for him and support him. I pray that the Church will reflect Christ through his life, that he will be is close to the people and proclaim the Gospel with courage and a language that can be understood by the new emerging culture.”