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South Jersey Priest Delighted to See Compatriot Elevated To Pope

By Kim Glovas

WOODBURY HEIGHTS, N.J. (CBS) -- A Camden County priest who hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina is understandably happy with the Conclave of Cardinals' choice for new pope.

Father Felipe Doldan is from a parish in Buenos Aires that was visited regularly by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio before he became Pope Francis (see related story).

Father Felipe, who is now in Camden County at the Parish of the Infant Jesus,  says the fact that many new Catholics are from the Latino community will be very much on the mind of the new pope.

"He will be aware of that and it will work in that direction, so that he will pay special attention to South and Central America, and I think he becomes like a bridge," he told KYW Newsradio today.

Doldan says Pope Francis believes in the fundamentals of Catholicism, including being against abortion and gay marriage.

Father Felipe says, however, the pontiff's strength lies with the people.

"I'm glad to have him, besides being a co-religionary of my country, I'm happy because he's pastoral and for his concern for the people."

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