In South Philly, Latino immigrants celebrate new pontiff

In the basement of the Aquinas Center in South Philadelphia, Latino immigrants who gather on Wednesday nights to learn the foundations of Catholicism were thrilled with the selection of a cardinal from Argentina as papa, the Spanish word for pope.

"When we heard his name, we were filled with joy," said Adriana Perez, 29, a Guatemalan immigrant who was among more than 20 participants in the three-year program led by Sister Maria Lauren at the center next to St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, at 17th and Morris Streets.

"It was about time, because there are many Catholics in Latin America," said Cesar Sacol, 24, also from Guatemala.

Luis R. Oquendo, 36, of North Philadelphia, learned via text message that a new pope had been selected.

"I would have been happy with whoever, but [I'm] happier that he was Spanish-speaking," Oquendo said. "It felt very, very good."

Victor Manzanres, 34, a Mexican immigrant, said he was "really happy because he's Latino, but more than anything, I hope he has a good message for the whole world, not just Hispanics."

"It didn't matter who it was as long as we had a pope," said Rosa Castillo, 50, adding that it was more important that the church had a leader.

Luz Vasquez, 65, who lives in Northeast Philadelphia, said she hoped the new pope would promote social justice and unity in the church.

Sacol said he hoped the pontiff would help the faithful overcome the scandals of the church and emphasize values opposing abortion and same-sex marriage.