Locals hope for a more modern pope

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. (WSVN) -- As the cardinals prepare to elect a new pope, the Catholic community in South Florida has gathered to hope for the best. Locals say, they are looking for the pope of the future and pray he is in touch with these modern times.

South Florida Catholic Mirian Farinas said, "Everyone has their own opinion on which religion to choose, but it would be nice to see a more modern pope."

Tuesday afternoon at Belen Jesuit Preparatory in Southwest Miami-Dade, the school gathered in prayer as students hoped for a religious leader they can identify with.

Belen Jesuit student Eric Cuto said, "Change can be good and seeing different popes come in can also modernize the church a little bit."

Another student at the school, Kenji Martinez, added, "Students like me, we're not interested in using catholic.com or websites like that so maybe using Facebook, Twitter and things like that would get us a lot more into it."

The conclave is peaking the interests of many students, including a sixth grade student at Archdiocese Catechism who created a mock-up of St. Peter's square for a school project. "I find religion really awesome because I really like the stories of Jesus Christ," said Diego Rancano. "So that they know about the word of God."

Belen Jesuit teacher Deacon Robert O'Malley, a teacher at the school, is related to a cardinal participating in the conclave to be a papal contender. "I am the first cousin of Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, who is the archbishop of Boston," he said. "Sometimes it's hard to express in words, because it stirs up a lot of emotions for myself and for my family."

The Archdiocese of Miami said, as the conclave continues there are no specific or special prayer services at the Catholic churches in our community. However, many masses will be celebrated for the intentions of this conclave in the selection of the new pope.

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