Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina is the new head of the Catholic Church. Now known as Pope Francis, he's the first pontiff ever from Latin America.
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina is the new head of the Catholic Church. Now known as Pope Francis, he's the first pontiff ever from Latin America.
"Mommy!!! It's Bergoglio!!" screamed Maria Travajlio through her smartphone to her mother in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Tears of joy came streaming down Travajlio's face after hearing the news that a fellow countryman, Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio was elected pope.
"Historic you know, oh my God, an Argentinian pope!! That's huge for us," she said.
Travajlio moved to Philadelphia from Buenos Aires eight years ago to be with her husband. She soon got a job with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's office of Social Services.
She was among dozens of employees huddled in a conference room inside the Archdiocese headquarters in Center City, watching the papal developments on their smartphones.
"It was high time for a South American pope" she said.
Travajlio says Pope Francis, known to reject many of the trappings and privileges of being a Cardinal, will be a champion of the poor.
"Paying a lot of attention to the social part, the people's lives. Always asking the governments to pay more attention to poverty," she added.
After the new Pope was announced, local Catholics converged on the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to pray. Some are wondering if the new pope's first trip to the United States will be in Philadelphia for the International Meeting of Families hosted by the Vatican in 2015.
"We sure hope so. Pope Benedict said he was coming for the year of the Family. We just hope this Pope keeps the same calendar," says Monsignor Arthur Rodgers, Rector at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.
The last time Philadelphia received a papal visit was back in 1979, when Pope John Paul held mass in front of a million people along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Monday, March 11 2013 11:38 AM EDT2013-03-11 15:38:14 GMT
The congregation of cardinals is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss preliminary work and church agendas as they draw closer to scheduling a date for selecting a new pope, FOX News reports.
The congregation of cardinals is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss preliminary work and church agendas as they draw closer to scheduling a date for selecting a new pope, FOX News reports.
Monday, March 11 2013 11:37 AM EDT2013-03-11 15:37:42 GMT
On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:28:48 GMT
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
Pope Francis waves to a crowd of thousands below at St. Peter's Square Wednesday.
Then Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio is seen praying in this file photo.
