Gulfport Reacts to Election of Pope Francis

As the bells rang and white smoke appeared Wednesday, Catholics around the world celebrated the election of Pope Francis as the 266th pope.

We asked Gulfport Patch Facebook readers how they felt on Facebook about the Catholic Church's selection of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to lead the church. 

His selection was met with mostly negative responses from Gulfport Patch readers. 

Louise Lavalla wrote, "Just another 80-year-old bigot. The church is full of them. Judge others and protect the child molesters in their midst."

"As an atheist I couldn't care less," said Bill Heyen. "The problem is many will listen to him."

"Just another homophobe," wrote Chris Lovett.

We want to hear from you! Do you think Pope Francis is the right person to lead the Catholic Church? 

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