(DODGE CITY, Kan.)—
Catholics in southwest Kansas say they are excited about the new pope, Pope Francis.Being from Argentina, he is the first pope ever from the Americas, and the first in more than a millenium from outside of Europe. Father Ted Skalsky says he thinks it may mean a new push for evangelism in North and South America, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, which are growing areas for the Catholic church.
"Because it's like we count, and the cardinals of the world know we count" said Skalsky. "That's just a major shift to go away from Europe for the first time in centuries".
Leonora Martinez is Catholic. She says she prayed before the selection of a new pope, and is positive with the decision from the conclave.
"I called my daughters right away, we're just all so excited and looking for the future. I'm Hispanic, so I just feel so proud to be Catholic".
Father Efiri Matthias lives in Dodge City, but is originally from Nigeria. He says Pope Francis came across as humble and simple. While he is excited about the new pope, he says he likely would have been happy anyway.
"I prayed and I read a few of the forecasts of whom it might be and I said 'the Holy Spirit will surprise us all', you know, because it makes the church feel we are all one," said Matthias. "Now if it was a European (pope), I would have jumped up with praise, it's the Holy Spirit's decision, if it was somebody Asian, I would have jumped up, it's the Holy Spirit's decision, now I am excited, praise God".
