VOA标准英语2013--Argentinians in Rome Celebrate Pope Francis

 

Argentinians in Rome Celebrate Pope Francis

It's a small church by Rome's standards, but on Sunday it was packed with Argentinians who came to honor the man many call “our pope.”

Argentinian priest Father Eduardo Mangirotti worked with Jorge Mario Bergoglio when he was the senior cardinal¹ in Argentina.

“When you meet him in person, he seems almost reserved," said Mangirotti. "But at the same time, when he preaches he has always been extremely straightforward², extremely passionate³. I think that's what we can expect from a Latin American priest.”

Many in the congregation felt Pope Francis' selection very personally.

“We are proud to have an Argentinians and Latin American pope," said one person. "We are doubly content and that's why we came here to celebrate.”

“Personally, I am very happy, very emotional, and I think this pope will bring to the Church the unity⁴ that Christianity needs," said another. "As Argentinians, we are very content.”

“I'm very, very happy. I think it will be a positive change for the Church because he's such a simple guy. I don't know. He's like such a friend, you know," said still another.

Argentine Cardinal Stanislaw Karlic is a friend of the new pope and spoke⁵ at Sunday's service. He called the pope “our brother so close to us,” and said his selection is “a gift” and “an honor.”

It was a view many in the church shared, but Father Eduardo said the selection also carries responsibility.

“It's both a gift and it's also a job for us, so to speak," he said. "I think it calls us to be even more committed as Christians⁶ to the preaching of the Gospel, to the service of other people, and as Argentineans to a deeper commitment to our country and also to the world.”

It's a new role for these Argentinians, and a new sense of pride. They expect “their pope” to make them even more proud - to overcome scandals, bring Catholics worldwide together and be a man of the people. That's a lot for someone said to be shy and humble⁷, who used to ride the bus to work back home, just like many of these people did. 

1 cardinal   

n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的

参考例句：

• This is a matter of cardinal significance.这是非常重要的事。
• The Cardinal coloured with vexation. 红衣主教感到恼火，脸涨得通红。

2 straightforward   

adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的

参考例句：

• A straightforward talk is better than a flowery speech.巧言不如直说。
• I must insist on your giving me a straightforward answer.我一定要你给我一个直截了当的回答。

3 passionate   

adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的

参考例句：

• He is said to be the most passionate man.据说他是最有激情的人。
• He is very passionate about the project.他对那个项目非常热心。

4 unity   

n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调

参考例句：

• When we speak of unity,we do not mean unprincipled peace.所谓团结，并非一团和气。
• We must strengthen our unity in the face of powerful enemies.大敌当前，我们必须加强团结。

5 spoke   

n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说

参考例句：

• They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
• The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

6 Christians   

n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Christians of all denominations attended the conference. 基督教所有教派的人都出席了这次会议。
• His novel about Jesus caused a furore among Christians. 他关于耶稣的小说激起了基督教徒的公愤。

7 humble   

adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低

参考例句：

• In my humble opinion,he will win the election.依我拙见，他将在选举中获胜。
• Defeat and failure make people humble.挫折与失败会使人谦卑。