U.S. Cardinals Describe Pope Francis As Ideal Choice For Modern Times

Two U.S. cardinals described Pope Francis as an ideal choice to lead the church in the modern world. "He is the perfect choice for this moment in the church," said Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl March 14. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told reporters March 13 that the pope met all of the cardinals' qualifications. He said they wanted to "choose the right man" who would be "a man of God, a man of good pastoral governance, with a sense of the church universal and a good communicator." "He fills those bills," he said. He also said the pope's nationality is a plus. "Where he comes from is gravy, and we got a lot of good gravy with a man coming now from Latin America. You talk about a booster shot to the church in the Americas. This is going to be a real blessing." The cardinals noted that the pope has a style that will appeal to many Catholics. Cardinal Wuerl said the pope's style reflects the church's emphasis on new evangelization, "inviting people to take a look again at the church's Gospel message." "His invitation is not just by words but by personal witness," he added, pointing out that the new pope, former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, had been "an active presence" among Catholics in his archdiocese, often making parish visits and attending church events. "He does this as pastor of souls," he added, pointing out that this will "be a hallmark of his pontificate." Both U.S cardinals said the pope's style was particularly obvious in the way he greeted the massive crowd assembled in St. Peter's Square when he was first announced.