Catholic Fire

March 22, 2013. (Romereports.com) Perhaps the person who was surprised the most by the election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, was the Argentinian cardinal himself. The auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, who lived with the Pope for the past ten years, explained how the election changed his original plans. MSGR. EDUARDO GARCÍA Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires (Argentina) “His future plans were, once his resignation was accepted and his successor named, to live at a home in Buenos Aires for elderly and sick priests. He had already picked his room. He also would have lead a life of prayer, as an adviser to many, of spirituality, of celebrating Mass at the parishes. A normal life without governance.” After many years of working together on a daily basis, Msgr. Garcia says the Pope's style is natural, and works well with his need to interact and be close to people. MSGR. EDUARDO GARCÍA Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires (Argentina) “No one calls in his name. When he was to give ...

What a wonderful gift from God we have in our new Pope Francis! He is such a warm, wise, loving and humble man! Thank you, Lord, for our dear Papa Francis! March 15, 2013. (Romereports.com) On Friday, Pope Francis had his official greeting with Cardinals. He had a brief speech prepared, but he frequently stopped adding spontaneous and improvised comments. This is the style that's marking the beginning of Pope Francis' pontificate. The Pontiff actually stumbled after greeting Cardinal Angelo Sodano, but he reacted quickly and recovered his balance. He thanked the Cardinals for the all the conversations they had leading up to the Conclave and especially the day when he was elected Pope in the Sistine Chapel. He said the Holy Spirit has a role that can't be denied. POPE FRANCIS “It's interesting and it makes me think that it's the Holy Spirit that makes a difference in the Church. The Paraclete seems to be an apostle of Babel, yet it unites all these differen...

This is an amazing video compiled by Catholic Vote :

March 14, 2013. (Romereports.com) Pope Francis concluded his first Mass inside the Sistine Chapel. Gone were the tables where the cardinals had voted to elect him. The Chapel was instead set up to for the ceremony, under the work of Michelangelo. During his first homily, the Pope explained that Christianity is based on three pillars, carrying, building and confessing the faith. He also said that to be Christian, one has to open up to the suffering we find in life. FRANCIS “When we walk without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, and when we confess a Christ without a Cross, we are no longer disciples of the Lord. We are mundane. We are bishops, priests, cardinals, Popes, everyone, but we are no longer disciples of the Lord.” The Pope said the days during the conclave were positive and urged the cardinals to not be afraid of suffering. FRANCIS “I would like it if we all, after these graceful days, get the courage to work with the Lord, carry the Cross of the Lord.” ...

March 14, 2013. (Romereports.com)  “May God forgive you what you've done,” were the words newly elected Pope Francis told fellow cardinals over dinner, soon after his election and first appearance as Pope. They bore witness to the humility of the first Latin American and Jesuit Pontiff. It also reflected a new approach to the papacy. For his introduction, Francis chose a plain white cassock, and he kept the same crucifix he used as archbishop of Buenos Aires, instead of the gold one set aside for Popes. To get back to Santa Marta, he refused any special treatment. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican Spokesperson  “There was a car with the plates SCV number 1, specifically for the Pope, and instead he returned on board the bus, with all of the other bishops, the cardinals.” Just hours after being elected, the Pope made his first visit outside the Vatican to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. He again refused a large security team, opting only for one small car to take him there...