New Pope Francis: Diocese of St. Pete, New Tampa React

Bishop Robert Lynch, Diocese of St. Petersburg, released a welcome letter congratulating Pope Francis on Wednesday afternoon on his selection as the 266th pope.

"Your Holiness, the priests, deacons, religious and laity of the Church of St. Petersburg in the United Sates of America send you their love and prayers on the occasion of your election to the See of St. Peter and embrace you as our universal pastor. Our hearts are full of gratitude today to our gracious God and to the Holy Spirit and to your electors for choosing you for this awesome Petrine ministry. We also thank you for your generous 'yes'.

Promising you our filial support and wishing you every blessing."

According to the Associated Press, the 76-year-old Pope was selected the 266th pontiff in a brief five-ballot conclave. The AP reported the cardinals, "clearly decided that they didn't need a vigorous, young pope who would reign for decades but rather a seasoned, popular pastor who would draw followers to the faith." 

Francis asked for prayers for himself, and for retired Pope Benedict XVI, whose surprising resignation paved the way for the conclave that brought the first Jesuit to the papacy.

"Brothers and sisters, good evening," Francis said to wild cheers in his first public remarks as pontiff. "You know that the work of the conclave is to give a bishop to Rome. It seems as if my brother cardinals went to find him from the end of the earth. Thank you for the welcome."

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has announced a Mass of Thanksgiving at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz. The public is invited. 

The Diocese covers 3,177 square miles in five counties, including Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco. It serves a total population of about 2.9 million, of whom more than 425,000 are Catholic, according to the Diocese website.

New Tampa Patch Facebook fans shared their thoughts about Pope Francis I.

"Let's bring Latinos back into the faith and get them out of the heathen God foresaken Democratic party," wrote Kelly C. Flanagan. "And he picked the name of my favorite saint, St. Francis of Assisi."

Angela Harrelson had a differing viewpoint.

"I'm an atheist, and I disagree with much of what the church stands for and believes," she wrote. "This guy? Pretty much the same as the last guy."

Dawn Renneker Hudson says March 13 is a day of joy.

"One of the churches largest populations comes from South America," she wrote. "Great joy and peace today for Catholics worldwide."

What do you think about Pope Francis' selection? Share your thoughts in the comments section.