(Vatican Radio) Reaction to the election of Pope Francis is still continuing around
the world two days after his appearance on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. One
organisation which has warmly welcomed the new Holy Father is CAFOD, the official
aid agency for England and Wales.
It said that, "This choice of Pope puts
service to the poor and tackling injustice at the forefront of the Church's mission
in the world.
Speaking to Lydia O’Kane about the new Pope, Tom O’Connor, CAFOD’s
Director of Communities said, “There’s a real tangible sense of enthusiasm… I think
certainly our Catholic community in England and Wales is really feeling a sense this
is a new beginning for us and the Pope’s choice of name as well, obviously leads us
to think this is going to be something very very positive in the way he’s going to
conduct his Papacy.”
He goes on to say that for CAFOD it is wonderful to hear
that Pope Francis has such a concern for the poor. “ To hear that concern across the
church for those who are poor is really inspiring to us because we believe that is
really at the heart of our faith.”
Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s interview with
Tom O’Connor