The announcement of the newly elected Pope Francis occurred Wednesday afternoon, March 13, during a Mini-Course meeting of newspaper and yearbook staff members heading for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) conference next week in New York on March 20-22. Within 24 hours, 82 Academy students shared their comments (see below) on their enthusiasm for this new Pope.
Achona Junior Section Editor Samantha Vargas was immediately impressed. “My grandmother will be so happy to hear this! Although she is from Bolivia, she lived in Argentina before coming to the United States.”
Echoes Yearbook Adviser Sister Lisa Perkowski shared her joy. “This is wonderful news for all of us.”
Read Academy students’ comments below about the news of the first Pope elected from the Americas.
Alison • Apr 10, 2013 at 3:09 pm
I love the Pope!
J. R. • Apr 10, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Great story! It’s great that he’s different and will hopefully improve the Church.
Paola F • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:46 pm
This is really amazing having a new Pope who is not following the ways of the old tradition. He’s really changing things up and becoming more understanding to the people. He has a lot of things to work on in the church but I believe he can bring the Church on the right path!
Maya • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:40 pm
I’m very excited that a new Pope was elected so fast. So much history has already happened in our lives and this is just something more to add to the list
Maddie • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:40 pm
I’m excited that the Pope is from a different part of the world.
Jillan • Apr 10, 2013 at 2:58 pm
So am I
Kristina • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:39 pm
I think Pope Francis will be an awesome Pope. I love how he is a down to earth type of person. 🙂
Maggie • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:39 pm
I think that it is great that our new Pope is from the Americas! I believe he will be a very influential leader for our church.
Alejandra • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:39 pm
I find it amazing that as I discussed today in my math class since there’s always been not exactly a division but differences between the Franciscan order and the Jesuits it is a very great thing that Pope Francis adopted the name Francis while being a Jesuit. He is showing one of his traits about unity and equality. Also very good that he is the first South American Pope!
Konner • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:16 pm
I am fortunate to be able to live through such a monumental step in the church.
Isabella Gonzalez • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:15 pm
I think it’s a nice change from having a European Pope, and I also think its neat that he’s a Jesuit.
Eleeza Santos • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:14 pm
I am so happy for our new elected pope, Pope Francis I. I am looking forward to his great leadership and faith when he leads the Catholic people.
Nicole Sanchez • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:14 pm
I think Pope Francis will do much good. I’m excited to see what he will do for our church.
Julia Schifino • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:13 pm
He chose my middle name as his name!! That makes him the best and I think he will do a great job and I am excited for the future.
Chaveli Guzman • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Although I think it is amazing that our new Pope is hispanic and a Jesuit, I am absolutely pleased in the name he chose for himself Francis, which took after St. Francis of Assisi, an inspirational saint for all.
-Chaveli Guzman
Julia • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:12 pm
I am happy that our new Pope is from South America! Hopefully this will be a good change for our church and God meant it to be!
Julia • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:12 pm
I think it is good for us to have a South American pope so he can run things from a new perspective. It is a big part if history and Pope Francis is educated, humble, and well equipped to go his job well.
Emily • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:12 pm
I am so glad that the new Pope is Hispanic and from our side of the Hemisphere! It is also very interesting that our new Pope is a Jesusit! Very excited to see what he does for the Church!
Peyton Maddox • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:12 pm
I think that Pope Francis will be a great Pope and that he will do great things for the Church!
Kirby Wallace • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:11 pm
It is exciting this Pope is from outside of Europe and from Argentina.
Jazmyne • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:11 pm
I’m glad we have a new Pope and I’m glad I got to witness history!
ashlen krone • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:10 pm
It’s very exciting to have a new pope. Surely he will do a lot of good for us all. We all have so much faith in him.
Claudia • Mar 14, 2013 at 2:10 pm
I am very proud that the new Pope is Hispanic it gives all of us from the Western World a lot of pride.
Abena • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:28 pm
I am very excited about this new Pope. I hope that he will bring equality throughout the Catholic Church and its people. I admire his simplistic way of life. The best is yet to come in the near future. Habemus Papam.
Gianna Accardj • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:27 pm
I’m am really happy that we have found a new Pope and I am sure that he will do a great job.
Cassidy • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:26 pm
I pray for wisdom for Pope Francis I and that he brings our Church out of these hard times and back to the traditional values Jesus intended for our faith. He is adorable and seems very humble!
Jess • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:26 pm
The event of electing a new Pope is always a fascinating site to watch, and now that the voting has ended we have the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. It’s nice to see that St. Francis of Assisi’s name will reign over all Catholics to remember the humble saint.
Hannah • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Looking foward to all the new things the new Pope has in store for us!
Katherine Hobson • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm
#pray4thepope
Siobhan Plummer • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm
#HABEMUS #PAPAM
Alex • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:22 pm
CLAPS FOR POPE FRANCIS!:-) #TIGERNATION
Mikela • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:22 pm
So excited to see his work!
Gabrielle Madden • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:21 pm
I love that the Pope is from Argentina because Argentinine Catholics tend to be more liberal and I think a more liberal pope would be a good thing. Also it is awesome that he is super concerned with social issues because that should be an important issue that the church looks at.
Anna • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:09 pm
I’m glad the Pope chose the name Francis! It shows that he chose to live a life of simplicity. Habemus papam!
Bailey • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:06 pm
I am excited to be a part of this piece of history! I am also happy to see he is from South America instead of Europe!
Samira Mantri • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I am so happy that we have a Pope from our neck of the world. This really demonstrates how the world is coming closer together.
Kierstin • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Fun fact: he only has one lung 😮
Alyssa • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I think that Pope Francis will be a wonderful Pope. He is a Pope of the people. It is a big step for the Catholic Church. I am excited to see what he does for the Church!
Katelyn • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Watching the the newly elected Pope Francis I walk out on the balcony over St. Peter’s Square was such an amazing moment. He looks like such a sweet man! I couldn’t think of anyone better to lead Catholics all around the world.
Sofia Gonzalez • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:04 pm
I am really excited to have witnessed the announcement of the first Hispanic Pope.
Lauren • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:04 pm
I find it very exciting that we have found a new Pope. It is interesting he is the first Hispanic Pope. He seems to be very responsible and that he would do a great job.
Taylor • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:04 pm
I think it is pretty cool that I have experienced the election of two Popes in my lifetime already. I hope he will be a great leader for the Catholic Church.
Carmelle Kuizon • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:03 pm
HIP HIP JORGE!
#habemuspapam
This is a great milestone for the Catholic Church.
Anna • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:03 pm
I’m glad the Pope chose the name Francis! It shows that he chose to live a life of simplicity. Habemus Papam!
Daniela Nasser • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:03 pm
I think it is great that he is a Jesuit! I have faith and will pray he leads the Church well.
Mica • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:02 pm
I like that the new Pope is from Argentina because they have strong religious beliefs. I believe that there will be a good result from his election.
Tyler • Mar 14, 2013 at 11:37 am
It was beautiful to see Pope Francis ask the people to pray for him before blessing those awaiting to rejoice at the election of our new Pope. These next years will be exciting to see what Pope Francis has to offer the world.
Carly King • Mar 14, 2013 at 10:50 am
I am really excited about the Pope being a Jesuit! AMDG!
Megan Glogowski • Mar 14, 2013 at 10:19 am
I think it’s wonderful having a Latin American Pope. South America has a strong Catholic community, so I think it’s appropriate that our new Church leader is from an area with strong faith. Pope Francis I hopefully will lead us into a period of stronger faith, something that is being to dwindle down in the United States, along with other parts of the world. I believe the Vatican has made a great choice, and we should expect wonderful things to come.
Caroline • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:32 am
VIVA IL PAPA #gotigers
Morgan welch • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:25 am
Excited about the new Pope! Kinda disappointed it wasn’t Beyoncé.
Michelle • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:23 am
I admire his simplistic way of life, as well as becoming the first Pope who takes on the name of Francis in memory of St. Francis of Assisi. His humbleness is respectful and I appreciate how he is a Pope for all people.
Bryanna Tanase • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:21 am
I hope that Pope Francis does everything he can to lead successfully.
Gracie Minton • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:20 am
I am very excited about the newly elected Pope Francis. He stands as a leader for Catholics around the world and, as a former Jesuit, I am proud that he was elected.
McKenzie Miller • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:20 am
I am happy that we got a new Pope before Easter. He seems like he is going to be a great Pope. It is even better that he is a Jesuit and the first South American. I am very happy.
Antonia • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:19 am
I am excited for the new Pope. My tennis coach is Argentinian and will be happy to hear where our Pope is from!
Skyler Sinardi • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:18 am
I’m very happy the Pope got chosen so quickly, I think he will do a great job!
Rosa • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:18 am
I think he will be a great Pope, I am glad that he is a Jesuit.
Natalie Cevallos • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:18 am
I wish the Pope could be a girl but he’s gonna be radical.
Sophia Miranda • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:04 am
Over five people had addressed me within minutes of seeing the white smoke emerge out of the chimney atop of the Sistine Chapel. I sat in the school library watching history in the making. Italian uttered out of the speakers as thousands of people stood in front of St. Peter’s Basilica awaiting the announcement of the new Pope. Pope Francis walked out flourished in his official attire. The ability to watch history in the making always fascinates me. The intriguing aspects of this new Pope gives me a confident feeling for what is to come for our future community.
Demi Curbelo • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:03 am
I am so happy that Pope Francis was elected as the new Pope. This is the first time a Pope was elected and I truly understand the importance and significance of electing a new Pope. It was also interesting to see the previous Pope resign, which rarely happens. It is also exciting that Pope Francis is a Jesuit. Also I went to Sacred Heart Academy, which was lead by a group of Franciscans. Pope Francis picked his name after St. Francis of Assisi, which is exciting for me personally. The name symbolizes “poverty, humility, simplicity and rebuilding the Catholic Church,” which I think is a great overview of what the Church should embody.
Sarah • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:02 am
After much deliberation, the world saw white smoke emerge; an announcement that a new Pope has been elected. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio won the majority vote and has chosen the name Pope Francis. Pope Francis creates new hope for the Catholic Church. He hails from Argentina and is a Jesuit as well, varying from the typical European cardinals that have been voted in. The Church and the rest world are now waiting anxiously to see what Pope Francis has prepared for the papacy.
Emani Curry-Jester • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:01 am
When I first heard the news about the new Pope being elected, I was filled with many different emotions. On one hand, I was incredulous and filled with shock that a new Pope had been elected so soon, especially since the Conclave began merely a day before. On the other hand, I was filled with immense joy because the newly elected Pope is not only from our side of the globe, but he is also a Jesuit priest. This is a precursor for the many great changes in the Church that are sure to come our way in the very near future.
Isabella Cogdill • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:01 am
Upon hearing the news of the new Pope, I was overjoyed and filled with pride. Millions of prayers from people around the world went to the cardinals in hopes that God would help them make the right decision in choosing a new leader for the Catholic Church. Th fact that he is from South America brings a great sense of patriotism for my side of the globe. He is also the first Jesuit Pope, which brings a great sense of pride for my brother school. I don’t know what the future of the Church holds, but I have faith that God helped the Cardinals in choosing the correct Pope. I believe that he will be a good leader for many years to come. I pray that God will help guide the Pope in his every decision and help him fill the position, as it is not an easy job at all. I thank God for helping the church pick a wonderful new leader, and pray that God blesses the new Pope and everyone of the Catholic faith.
Alexandra Bajo • Mar 14, 2013 at 9:00 am
When I heard that the Pope was chosen so soon after the beginning of the conclave I waited eagerly for his identity to be revealed. When I found out this Pope was historic, not only as a man from Argentina, but a Jesuit as well, I jumped for joy. From what I know of this man so far, I believe that he will be able to lead this church out of this time of scandal to a bright future.
Frankie • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:59 am
The election of the new Pope is exciting and monumental for various reasons. Pope Francis has broken through many barriers and created several new “firsts” for the Catholic Church. Pope Francis is the first Pope from either American continent, the first Jesuit Pope, and the first Pope to take the name Francis. This new Pope signifies a fresh start for the Church and a fresh outlook on the issues in today’s society. A fresh start and a new face night be exactly what our Catholic community needs.
Chandler Cartwright • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:58 am
I can remember waiting for the announcement of Pope Benedict just a few years ago. I was overwhelmed with excitement and enjoyed seeing the thousands of people in the streets of Vatican city, waiting to see him come out and address the crowd from his famous balcony. I was thrilled to watch Pope Francis do the same this year. He is a Jesuit, so he is extremely famous to the Jesuit High School boys here in Tampa. I cannot wait to see what Pope Francis will do during his service to Christ and the world!
Cara • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:58 am
I think it’s a remarkable that we as a Catholic community could stay updated, through the media, on the decision process almost as it happened. I think the fact that he took the name “Francis” reveals that he will have a strong concern for the poor. As a Social Justice student, this excites me for the possibility of reform.
Madison Allen • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:58 am
Hurray for the new Pope! I think it’s really interesting how everyone is so into this topic. People are talking about it in the hallways, post on Facebook and twitter, and researching to find out all they can online. When everyone found out the news, I only heard a positive feedback and this makes me excited and more interested in this subject as well. I’m very happy for the new Pope and trust that he will do a good job. I enjoyed this article and like the picture with it.
Rachelle • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:57 am
When I first heared this news I was overjoyed. Not only am I thankful for a Pope to be finally elected, but I am especially excited that he is a Jesuit and is from the Western Hemisphere. Pope Francis the first will bring a new prospective to the church. I am glad his beliefs will strengthen and enforce Catholic beliefs and values throughtout the world.
Caitlin Herlihy • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:56 am
When I first heard the news about our new Pope I was delighted to know he is a Jesuit Pope. Being a Jesuit cheerleader for three years has really gotten me involved with the Jesuit school and it is interesting to have a Jesuit man ruling our catholic community. It is also very excellent that he is our first Spanish Pope we have ever had. This decade will go down in history, our first black president is in charge of our country and our first Spanish Pope is in charge of our church.
Amanda Bell • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:56 am
As a non-Catholic student, it was still very exciting hearing the news about the Pope considering I have grown up going to Catholic school. The previous Pope had made several statements discrediting other Christian denominations, stating “Orthodox churches were defective and that other Christian denominations were not true churches,” (NBC) which the Protestant side of my family obviously did not appreciate very much. We hope that this Pope will start clean-slated, remember he is representing Christ, and remember that other Christians deserve respect, too.
Alexandra Diaz • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:55 am
My classmates and I gathered in the chapel as we awaited the announcement of the future leader of our new leader of the Catholic Church. There was joy as the news was made and history was made as well. We felt a small connection with our new Pope, the first Jesuit Pope, due to our ties with our brother-school Jesuit. It is a relief to know that a strong leader has taken the head position of our beautiful religion and we hope the best for his leadership and guidance.
Alexandra Bajo • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:55 am
When I first heard that the pope was elected so soon after the begining of the conclave, I went into a mini shock. I eagerly awaited the idenity of the new leader of the church as we truged through our mini course meetings. When I found out that pope was not only from the Americas, but a Jesuit I jumped for joy. From what I have heard about this man, I am hopeful that he will lead us out of this difficult time of scandal in the Catholic Church.
Kimber • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:54 am
I was very interested to hear of the newly elected Pope Francis!
Windi • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:54 am
I’m glad we have a new Pope at the head of the church. I have faith in him.
Caroline Sutton • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:53 am
This was exciting to watch as this is an important part of history. It was mind-blowing to see how many people gathered to watch the pope be announced and to see the excitement and anticipation in the crowd as they waited.
Mia Sager • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:53 am
I was very surprised and happy to hear that our new Pope is a Jesuit from Argentina.
I’m pleased that he is a “Pope of firsts” and that he seems to be a strong leader.
Sophia Gonzalez • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:53 am
I think it’s amazing that the new Pope is from the Western Hemisphere, especially a Hispanic Pope. This is a great step for the Catholic Church and I look forward to experience his leadership in the Church.
Angelina Oliva • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:52 am
I found it extremely exciting that our new Pope is from Argentina and that he is a Jesuit. I love the joy and passion that the Catholic people are putting into the celebration of this historical and phenomenal event. I believe strongly that the Catholic faith is in good hands and hopefully many of other Catholics believe that this is the right Pope for them.
Michelle • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:52 am
I was enlightened to experience once again the decision of a new Pope 🙂
Theresa • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:29 am
As my mom and I discussed the initiation of a new Pope, she told me she was overwhelmed with emotions when she found out. She said she could not believe someone from South America finally became Pope. Although she is from Peru, my mom felt as though one of her “people” had become Pope.
Cassidy Gourley • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:25 am
I’m excited that Pope Francis I is a Jesuit because I love the Jesuit mission!
Khalei McKown • Mar 14, 2013 at 8:25 am
Jesuit!
Katherine Hobson • Mar 14, 2013 at 12:24 pm
GO TIGERS!!!!