Bulgarian Catholic Bishop Praises New Pope's Humility

Argentina Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio waves from a balcony to the tens of thousands gathered below after he was elected the new Pontiff. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Christo Proykov, the Bulgarian Greek Catholic Bishop of Sofia, has lauded the election of Pope Francis, emphasizing his humbleness.

"What creates a particularly strong impression is his humility," Proykov told reporters on Thursday, noting that the new pontiff stays clear of luxury and is very close to the people, especially the poor ones.

Proykov also praised the new pope's choice of name.

On Wednesday, Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio became the first South American pontiff, the first non-European pope in 1,300 years and the first to take the name Pope Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the 12th century saint who spurned wealth to pursue a life of poverty.

The name of the 266th pope in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history was announced by French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.

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