MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Catholics at Saint Mathew Roman Catholic Church in Downtown Monroe had a special prayer Wednesday evening. They're asking a higher power to watch over the newly elected pope. He was revealed to the world Wednesday. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was introduced to world, who will now be known as Pope Francis I.
"This is our first American Pope. Now, granted, he's from South America but that's very exciting," Scott Brandle said.
Brandle, currently studying to be a deacon in the church, believes there's a happier tone during this selection process than in previous years. That's because the previous pope retired and is still alive.
Although there's a new leader, Brandle has faith the church will continue to put a stop to the child sex scandals.
"I would say the church is probably the safest place that you can be or that your children can be at this point because of all that the church has done," Brandle said.
With the change in leadership, some in our area say now is the time for Catholics to return to church services.
"Maybe get more people involved, more Catholics may come back to church," Pashal Odidika said.
Internally, many believers are waiting to see if Pope Francis will be traditional or a reformer.
"As for this pope and how he will direct that, I think that's part of the excitement, I don't think anyone really knows,"Brandle said.
This is also the first in modern era from the western hemisphere.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:19 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:19:36 GMT
GONZALES, La. (AP) - Ascension Parish sheriff's deputies arrested a 25-year-old man accused of beating one of his dogs to death and dumping the animal's taped-up body.
GONZALES, La. (AP) - Ascension Parish sheriff's deputies arrested a 25-year-old man accused of beating one of his dogs to death and dumping the animal's taped-up body.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:12 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:12:50 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police are investigating a car crash into an apartment building Wednesday night.It happened just before 9 P.M., at the Windsor Inn, off Washington Street. So far, it
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police are investigating a car crash into an apartment building Wednesday night.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:01:29 GMT
PITTSBURGH (AP) - The parents of a 2-year-old boy who fell into a wild African dogs exhibit and was mauled to death last fall have sued the Pittsburgh zoo.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - The parents of a 2-year-old boy who fell into a wild African dogs exhibit and was mauled to death last fall have sued the Pittsburgh zoo.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:30:39 GMT
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - A new study has determined for the first time just how quickly frogs and other amphibians are disappearing around the United States.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - A new study has determined for the first time just how quickly frogs and other amphibians are disappearing around the United States.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:20:47 GMT
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Authorities say a 40-year-old corrections officer assigned to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola has been arrested in a Livingston Parish home invasion case.
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Authorities say a 40-year-old corrections officer assigned to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola has been arrested in a Livingston Parish home invasion case.
