Ferguson also discussed the "global perspective" the Pope brings by merging his Argentine roots with a familiarity of Europe and the global focus of the Jesuit order.
In addition, the Pope defies clear categories and "will do a good job of uniting the Church," she said, pointing to the new Pontiff's diverse background, humble life and staunch orthodoxy, as well as his scholarly work and familiarity with the Curia.
Pope Francis shows us that there is not a "divide between liberal Catholic issues and conservative Catholic issues," Ferguson stressed. Rather, he teaches us that there should be a "unity of the whole - that we defend the voiceless whether that's the poor immigrant or the unborn."
"The fact that the conclave came to consensus so quickly when there was thought to be no front-runner," she continued, "indicates that he will really unite the Church."
Echoing these sentiments was Kim Daniels, director of Catholic Voices USA, a group of lay faithful seeking to defend Catholic teaching in public life.
Daniels told CNA that Pope Francis' election "shows that the Catholic Church doesn't fit into familiar left/right categories."
She added that "Cardinal Bergoglio brings so much to the papacy," as a man "of great personal holiness and humility who leads a life of simplicity."
"At the same time he's an intellectual, a pastor, and something of an outsider at the Vatican," she explained.
"Most of all his choice demonstrates that the Church serves the voiceless and the vulnerable wherever we find them: he's deeply committed to the unborn as well as for the poor."
The faithful can be sure that Pope Francis will strive to follow St. Francis of Assisi in responding to God's call to "rebuild my Church," Daniels said.
Even from his initial address to the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter's, she said, "we know that he seeks to unite Catholics and to evangelize the world, especially in cultures that have grown indifferent to the faith."
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