Pope Francis: A humanitarian perspective

(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