Catholics in Troy React to Election of New Pope, Francis

A new pope has been named to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Argentina, has been elected the 266th pope and is the first pope from Latin America.

Father Eric Fedewa, an Associate Pastor at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church of Troy, said that he learned of the news in decidedly "21st-century fashion."

"I was praying and received a call from my mother. I thought that it must have been big news ... the staff here at the church watched the news, live-streaming online in the office," Fedewa said with a chuckle.

"I was surprised to see (the election) come to a head now, but I'm very glad to see the result."

Bergoglio is the son of middle-class Italian immigrants and became the first Jesuit archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was appointed cardinal three years later, according to the Washington Post. The article stated that Bergoglio leans to the conservative side on doctrinal and spiritual issues and opposes abortion and supports celibacy among priests.

Monsignor John Zenz, Pastor of Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham, said that the new pope's middle class, austere lifestyle will be a good model for Catholics to follow.

"He's a great witness to the gospels by his own person," said Zenz. "He's got a very compelling story and he's a great choice, although it was an unexpected name to hear."

Fedewa added that Bergoglio's Jesuit studies indicates a foundation strongly rooted in the values of the Catholic church, however, "he's not afraid to speak his mind."

Zenz said, "He could be open to changes in terms of the position of the church on married men serving as priests."

He will take the name of Pope Francis, according to the Huffington Post.

Despite not having a front runner, in one of the fastest conclaves in years, Bergoglio received the necessary minimum of two-thirds (77) of the 115 votes on the fifth ballot, reported the Detroit News. The article stated that The Archdiocese of Detroit plans a special service Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the election of the new Pope, with time and place to be announced.

What do you think of the decision? Tell us in the comments.