Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mar 25, 2013 / 15:08 pm
Father Marcelo Pettinaroli, pastor of Our Lady of Carmen in Buenos Aires, said the election of Pope Francis has brought rich spiritual blessings to the country of Argentina.
"There are more people coming to confession, the churches are full, and I think that this is a time of special grace for the universal Church and for the Church in Argentina," Fr. Pettinaroli told CNA in a March 19 interview.
While the faithful in Buenos Aires miss their bishop greatly, he added, "we feel that he is present among us, and everything that he always said he is now repeating…from the Chair of Peter."
Fr. Pettinaroli, who is also the former director of the Introductory Home of the Seminary of Buenos Aires, recalled the Pope's dedication to prayer and the priests of the archdiocese during his time as cardinal.