Local Catholics Praise New Pope Francis as Humble Leader
Two weeks ago, Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was unknown to most Roman Catholics in Geauga County, but now, as the new Pope Francis,…
Two weeks ago, Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was unknown to most Roman Catholics in Geauga County, but now, as the new Pope Francis, he seems to personify many of their hopes for the future of their church.
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from South America, the first from the southern hemisphere and the first Jesuit, is the 266th pope in the church’s history, according to Internet sources.
Kent State University Professor Joyce Rear lives in Hambden Township and has been a member of St. Mary’s Church in Chardon for 42 years.
She said she was on the university campus when word came the new Pope had been selected.
“I was watching the TV coverage when a young college student entered the room, glanced at the TV and exclaimed, ‘He is so cute!’ I chuckled at the time, but after seeing a picture of him with his infectious smile, I have to agree with her assessment,” Rear said.
Rear added she was struck with the new Pope’s down-to-earth appearance, his humility and his concern about serving others.
“It’s much like Jesus was,” she said, adding she was especially glad he took the name Francis.
“I love the fact that he is the first Pope named Francis, as my childhood parish was St. Francis of Assisi and St. Francis is a man I have always admired,” Rear said.
Geauga County Auditor and Munson Township resident Frank Gliha is also a member of St. Mary’s parish, but he often attends Mass at St. Francis Church in Mayfield.
He said his first impressions have been good ones.
“Pope Francis has already brought a calming to the Catholic Church,” Gliha said. “The fact that he is visible and out there touching the people on a daily basis demonstrates that he understands how to bring people closer to our faith. And he is doing exactly what St. Francis has done and go to the people and see how he can help.”
Newbury Township resident Angie Grysho, who has volunteered for many years at St. Helen’s Church, said, “I believe the Holy Spirit has guided the cardinals to elect him and the Good Lord has something in mind for him.”
Grysho said she believes the new Pope’s love of common people will bring more people to the church.
“The younger generation seems to be flocking toward him and he will bring many of them back to the church,” Grysho said. “He seems to be a man of the people and they love him.”
“I’m glad we have a Pope from the Americas for the first time ever,” said former Chardon City Councilwoman Mary Malloy Bramstedt, also a member of St. Mary’s.
“He’s truly a breath of fresh air to our faith,” she said. “He loves to be in crowds of people. He doesn’t want to be isolated from his flock.”
Bramstedt said the new Pope seems to uphold the traditional tenets of the church, which she finds comforting.
“He supports the traditional family and is pro-life, too,” she said, adding he seems to be a strong advocate for what Catholics hold sacred.
“I love him so far!” said Brad Pestyk, member of St. Lucy Church in Middlefield. “He reminds me of Pope John Paul II. He seems to be a man of the people.”
Pestyk said Pope Francis appears to have strong values and the courage to lead the church as it faces modern challenges.
One of those challenges is a clergy facing dwindling numbers, said Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, adding she hopes the new Pope will address the issue.
“In this day and age, we probably all hope that rules regarding priests will include ordaining women as the available clergy is getting smaller and smaller,” Samide said. “Another option would be to allow priests to marry.”
She added, “The new Pope is a good choice in the sense that he represents the composition of the faithful, that being Hispanic.”
Samide, a member of St. Mary’s parish, said she finds it interesting the Catholic Church “gets it, where the Republican Party of the country does not.”
“Reflecting the composition of your membership is important to your success,” she said. “I’ve been a Catholic all my life and educated by the Ursuline nuns for over 12 years, and these are the thoughts that we all mulled over throughout the years.”
Rear said she has high hopes for the church’s future under Francis’ leadership.
“I am not sure what history will say about this papacy, but I am hopeful we have a good, God-fearing person as head of the Catholic Church,” she said.
Grysho added, “Francis will drive the snakes out of the Catholic Church,” referring to the legend of another saint, Patrick, who reportedly drove the snakes out of Ireland, according to church tradition.
