An Argentine Priest Has Nothing But Excitement For Pope Francis' September Visit
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When Pope Francis comes to Philadelphia this September, an Argentine Priest who knew him for many years in that South American country says he hopes to be among the many who hope to get close to the holy father.
Father Felipe Doldan splits his time between parish work in the Diocese of Camden and supervising biblical studies in Argentina. Father Felipe, currently serving at Infant Jesus Parish in Woodbury Heights, has known the former Cardinal Jorge Bergolio for 20 years because of his role of Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Father Felipe says the man who now is Pope Francis has transformed the papacy and is reaching out to all.
"Going to the United Nations after addressing the Congress, it shows that he wants to be really a universal person getting in touch with everybody, Felipe said. "Not only the Catholics."
And, Father Felipe says the expectations for the papal visit are high in South Jersey.
"When we talk to people, they're expecting to see this man either personally in Philadelphia or some people say, 'No, I can't go through the crowds, but I will see him on TV, I will follow him," Felipe says.
