For

immediate release 14 March 2013

Sydney Catholic schools welcome Pope Francis I!

Dan White, Executive Director of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney, has warmly welcomed the announcement of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis I, as the 266th Pope. Pope Francis is the first non-European to be elected Pope in almost 1,300 years and, and the first member of any religious order (the Jesuits) to be elected in nearly two centuries. The election of a new Pope to lead the Catholic community is always a time a joy, expectation and celebration, Dr White said. The decision of the new Pope to take the name Francis has particular significance for me. I feel personally inspired by St Francis of Assisis deep personal devotion to Jesus, his humility and simplicity, and his work in serving the poor. It is also likely that the taking of the name pays homage to St Francis Xavier, the founder of the Jesuit order. We have a deep spiritual connection with Jesuit order here in Sydney, with two Jesuit schools in the Archdiocese. Dr White said. The order also has connections with some of our other schools. I am sure there will be lots special prayers for our new Pope in classrooms today. Sam How, a Year 10 at Marist College North Shore, said he hoped that the new Pope will bring new energy to the Church, and encourage people from all backgrounds to celebrate their faith. I also think its great that he is from a region from which there has never been a Pope before, Sam said. That sends a message that the Catholic faith is inclusive and open to everyone. In the spirit of his namesake, Pope Francis I is known as a man of great humility with a devotion to the poor In Buenos Aires, he is known simply as "Father Jorge." I can only imagine reception Pope Francis will receive when he arrives in his native South America in a few months time to celebrate Youth Day with the Catholic youth of the world, Dr White said. More than 280 students from our Sydney Catholic schools will also in be Rio De Janeiro in July for World Youth Day, and I have no doubt that their welcome to our new Pope will be just as warm. #ends
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