Many are asking me what Jorge Bergoglio is really like. He is much more of a Christian, Christ centered and Spirit filled, than a mere churchman. He believes the Bible as it is written.
I have been with him on many occasions and he always makes me sit next to him and invariably makes me take part and often do what he as Cardinal should have done. He is consistently humble and wise, outstandingly gifted yet a common man. He is no fool and speaks out very quietly yet clearly when necessary.
He called me to have breakfast with him one morning and told me very clearly that the Ordinariate [creating by the Catholic Church to accommodate alienated Anglicans] was quite unnecessary and that the church needs us as Anglicans.
I consider this to be an inspired appointment not because he is a close and personal friend but because of who he is In Christ. Pray for him.
From Christianity Today here from a Facebook Comment
Thank you Bp.Venables. I had a wonderful visit to BA in April 94, including an hour visit that Bp. Leake was kind enough to squeeze in. I was hoping to hear your assessment. I know the Italian-Argentine relatives of my friends in Santa Rosa must be ecstatic.
Happy that DioSJ associated with you.
And I’m happy that we did, too!
Monsignors Newton and Steenson have responded to this anecdote. Whatever Cardinal Bergoglio thought of the Ordinariate then, they are permanently established now by Apostolic Constitution. They are irreversible.
http://www.stpeterslist.com/asides/the-ukordinariate-responds-to-the-anecdotal-report-of-pope-francis-negative-view/
The reaction was far more significant than the original comment which incidentally was not written for publication. The conversation was in 2009 and did not imply that the Ordinariate was temporary or an error, merely that the speaker values the Anglican Church as it is.