St. Joseph's Univ. Rejoices In First Jesuit Pope Elected

"It's neat being a part of the Jesuit tradition as a student and sharing a special bond with the Holy Father," said Jennifer Cush.

She and other students and staff at St. Joseph's University overflowed with excitement Wednesday when they found out the new leader of the Catholic Church, in their words, is one of their own.

Pope Francis is the first Jesuit Pope.

"We have this new Pope who is as committed to these issues as we are as a college," exclaimed Anna Ryan, also a student.

Reverend Kevin Gillespie is the President of St. Joe's. He said Pope Francis has lived his life doing the things students at St. Joe's are learning.

"He has reached out throughout his Jesuit life to the marginalized,  to people suffering with aids and to people suffering in Argentina." Reverend Gillespie is certain a Jesuit pope will bring hope and expect accountability.

"The church has had difficult times with the scandals, the sexual abuse and the economic failures in the Vatican," he said.

Camilo Ramos's connection is double. He's a senior at the university but is also from Chile. He's excited the new Pope is from Argentina. He is the first pope from South America.

"We can't believe it. People in South America must be going crazy about this," said Ramos who is hopeful that Pope Francis can be a voice for the voiceless.

"The fact that there's so many injustices in South America and he's so committed to social justice as all the Jesuits. It's an important thing," Ramos said.