New Pope Francis I Elected: Malden Residents React

Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected by the papal conclave as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

We asked our followers on social media for their take:

"Not Roman Catholic, however I'm hoping the new Pope will make some long needed changes...He has his work cut out for him..." - Sal Morando

"Raised Catholic, I couldn't think of a bigger waste of my attention span. It's all a bunch of bull." - Brian Michael

"Raised catholic, but now proud agnostic. I think the pope for centuries were one of the biggest problems with the church. I would hope that the new pope will wake up the church and their laws to this ever changing world." - Todd J. Daly

"I'm ambivalent. As a devout Mormon, I can appreciate that it's a big deal to Catholics, just like it's a big deal when we get a new president. However, the whole conclave thing seems so weird to me - like it's men running the show, not God. It's so political. Also, the thought of someone being selected and then deemed infallible - no human being is infallible! So, strikes me as odd, but I also know stuff I consider sacred is derided as weird, so... whatevs." - Christa Jeanne Woodall

"I was raised Catholic. attended Catholic school, was a soloist in the church choir, the whole none yards. i could really care less about a new Pope. it just means there is a new person to cover up church scandals." - Erin Fitzmaurice Alsop

"Who cares?" - Darci Walcott

Readers, what do you think of the ascension of the new pope? Catholics, are you hoping for any changes in the church, now that there is a new pope? Worried about change? Share your thoughts with your neighbors in the comments below.