Deacon/radio host comments on new pope

GAINESVILLE - Add Gainesville Catholics to those around the country and world celebrating the election of a new pope.

Deacon Ken Lampert of St. Michael Catholic Church said the papal election was very exciting this time around. He and other men in a Bible study were discussing it Wednesday morning.

"We think there's so many things to be dealt with in the world, and we were really praying that the Holy Spirit, through His guidance, would select the right person to lead us," Rev. Mr. Lampert said.

He noted that Pope Francis the First has been cardinal and archbishop in a large diocese in Argentina, where there's been trouble over the years with government interference and military rule.

"I think that recognized how many difficult situations he's handled in his lifetime as a priest, bishop and now cardinal. I think the other cardinals saw that and saw that that would be a real attribute helping to lead the church forward."

Pope Francis comes to the leadership role in the season of Lent, something Lampert believes was intentional on part of the outgoing pontiff.

"I think it was no accident that Pope Benedict the 16th chose the Lenton season to surprise us that he would be stepping down, that he selected to do it during the time of Lent," Rev. Mr. Lampert said.

Lampert also said the selection of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, a 76 year old, went against all of the Las Vegas style odds.

"It's really great to see someone elected who they didn't expect because of his age. That's the way the Holy Spirit works. The church doesn't operate the way the world does. We're outside the world. Our Lord works on his own time schedule and it's a great lesson for all of us."

Pope Francis was elected by his fellow cardinals on the fifth ballot, during the second day of the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Benedict. He had reportedly finished second in the conclave eight years ago that named Benedict as Pope.

"I believe taking the name of St. Francis, Pope Francis, certainly indicates his love for the poor and reaffirming the Church's mission to serve the poor in the world," Lampert said.

He hosts the Catholic Hour on WDUN. It airs Sunday evenings from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Link: The Catholic Hour