Statement by Wheeling Jesuit Executive Vice-President, Fr. James Fleming, SJ

"Our new Pope Francis is a man who has chosen to live-out his Jesuit vow of poverty in a simple lifestyle as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church. We Jesuits are so proud to call him our brother. He has been a consistent advocate for the poorest of the poor in his lifelong commitment to social justice.

His background in Ignatian spirituality provides in him a predisposition to the search for truth from a position of freedom and openness to the Holy Spirit. He is a holy man who has demonstrated a discerning heart and is authentic availability to go where God is calling him and, I believe, he will likewise lead the Church and the world to follow God’s urgings."

WHEELING, W. Va. - Wheeling Jesuit University, the youngest of the nation's 28 Jesuit institutions of higher learning, is celebrating the election of the first Jesuit pontiff, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who has chosen the name Francis.

"If you had told me the next Pope would be a Jesuit, and from the Americas, I would have said you were crazy, but the work of the Spirit among the Cardinals in the conclave can always surprise." said Jamey Brogan, Director of Campus Ministry, Mission and Identity at WJU. "It is exciting to have a Pope from the Southern Hemisphere who took the bus to work, and is known for his humility. His Jesuit formation and concern for the poor promise some interesting tidings for the church."

"I was also deeply moved by his request to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for him prior to his first Papal Blessing," Brogan added.

Pope Francis was elected after two days of voting during the conclave convened by the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The new Pope’s Mass of Installation will take place on March 19, according to the Vatican.

Read More from Fr. James Fleming, SJ

A Message from Bishop Michael Bransfield on the Election of Pope Francis

AJCU President Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, SJ on the New Jesuit Pope

Fr. Brian O'Donnell, SJ, Featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Fr. Brian O'Donnell, SJ Also Featured in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Listen to Fr. Brian O'Donnell's interview on WKBN Radio