Seminarian speaks about future pope

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New York members of the Catholic community are speaking out Tuesday, about what they hope to see in the next pope. At the Christ the King Seminary there is a lot of anticipation and excitement about the Cardinals heading into the conclave. Not only for the next leader of the Catholic church, but also for the direction the church will go in moving forward.

News 4 spoke with a seminarian originally from Arcade, who is in his sixth of seven years of school to become a priest.  For his first pope as a member of the priesthood, he says he is looking for and energizing leader that will look at contemporary issues and make faith relevant to modern lives.

“I’m looking for the energizing of the faith again, and this election always makes the faith come to the forefront, makes Catholics more excited and just more aware of what’s going on in the Catholic church. I hope the new pope can carry that enthusiasm and energy into his papacy. I’m excited about a guy who can take that rich tradition that has been handed down to us and apply it to a modern context,” said Diocese of Buffalo Seminarian Bryan Zielenieski.

Church members knew scandals have been an issue for the faithful and a reason some have lost interest. The seminarian News 4 spoke to hopes the next pope will take the scandals head on, have the church learn from their mistakes and ultimately help the church move forward.