SACRAMENTO
The announcement of Jorge Bergoglio as the first pope from Latin America means big changes for the Roman Catholic Church and Latino Catholics – specifically in Sacramento.
“About half of our Catholics and Sacramento Diocese are Hispanic so this has to be a big boost for them,” said Fr. Murphy of Immaculate Conception Church. “A great affirmation of their values, their family values and their loyalty to the faith.”
Of the 1.2 billion Catholics in the world, 46 percent of the church is in Latin America.
Mark Martinez president and CEO of the California Hispanic Chamber of commerce says the announcement comes at a critical time for California, a state where Hispanics will be the majority by the end of 2013.
“It really is a testimony to the changes in the demographics. You are seeing more Latinos elected. You are seeing more Latinos that are sitting in board rooms. It will continue to be a trend that progresses,” said Martinez
Bergoglio,whose parents are from Italy, was born and raised in Argentina.
Latinos say he shares the ideals of Central and South Americans.
Pope Francis is also described as a moderate man who is deeply concerned with social inequalities in Latin America and around the globe.
