Juan Martinez and Mel Robeck Interviewed by NBC Latino and LA Times on Pope Francis
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03/19/13
Pope Francis, Los Angeles Times
According to NBC Latino March 14, with the selection of the
new pope, many Los Angeles Catholics are hoping he will unite Latinos
worldwide. Professor of Hispanic studies
and pastoral leadership,Juan
Martinez, was quoted, saying, “It was a very pleasant surprise to see that the
majority world is now represented. The
reality is that half of all Catholics in the world are from Latin America. To
have a pope from Latin America is a recognition of the reality that the growth
of the church is in the south.”
To
read the full article, click here.
Martinez also said the following in the Glendale
News Press: “The selection of a
Latin American pope has special significance for Southern California’s large
number of Spanish-speaking Catholics.”
Expounding on the name, Francis, the LA Times said in an
article March 3 that the spirit of the historical saint seems to suit the new
pope: “As a cardinal in Argentina, Pope Francis was known for his personal
austerity, eschewing the church mansion and taking public transportation around
Buenos Aires, according to the Associated Press.” Cecil
M. Robeck Jr., professor of church history and ecumenics,
responded,"The fact that he lives such a simple lifestyle himself suggests
he appreciates the simplicity and humility that Francis of Assisi has embodied
for many people.”
To
read the full article, click here.