Wednesday night, the Bishop of the Harrisburg Diocese responded to the election of Pope Francis.
He told CBS 21 News that his election is a reminder that the church is committed to helping the poor.
“I just can't tell you how ecstatic I am at the selection they made,” Bishop McFadden addressed. “I think that the Holy Father, by taking the name Francis, really has captured what I believe is his belief as we know Francis was recalled to build the church. One whose whole focus was on the poor and I think taking the names Francis, he's been called to rebuild the church."
Following the election of Pope Francis, Bishop McFadden talked to reporters at the Harrisburg Diocese.
He talked about the election process and he also responded to questions about the pope's age.
“God turns everything upside down, and choosing Francis, God says the world may think we need youth but I need a believer. So in the eyes of the world, he may be old but in the eyes of God he is young.”
Catholics will celebrate the Easter holiday at the end of the month.
Bishop McFadden says that the election of a pope from the Americas is proof that the Catholic Church is everywhere and the timing is perfect.
“The gospel now has gotten into the new world and that's what Easter is all about, the Resurrection and I think this is a fabulous time to have a new pope.”
Now that a new pope has been chosen, a new journey has just begun.
He'll hold a televised mass Thursday afternoon and there will be a special mass on Friday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Harrisburg.
