Sierra Madre: Share Your Thoughts About the New Pope

Now that the conclave has announced the new head of the Catholic church, Sierra Madre Patch wants to know what you think about the choice.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, who will be known as Pope Francis, led a prayer at the Vatican shortly after the announcement was made Wednesday afternoon.

The televised event marked a new beginning for the Catholic church.

The selection of a pope could prove to be particularly welcome news in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, the membership of which is about 70 percent Latino.

The new pontiff, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church, takes over for Pope Benedict XVI, who retired due to health reasons at the end of February. He was the first pope in 600 years to resign.

Bergoglio, 76, is the first Jesuit and first South American pontiff.

- City News Service and Lindsey Baguio contributed to this report.

Tell Patch: In what direction should Pope Francis take the church?

Catholics: What is your wish for your faith in this new chapter?