New Pope Francis Elected: East Hanover Priest Reacts

At the news that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to be the new pope, the Rev. Owen Moran of St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover said he was "thrilled and excited."

"The Holy Spirit indeed has been active in this process, Pope Francis is a holy man who is aware of the needs of the poor and the alienated. Let us pray that he will, through the Holy Spirit, lead us with the courage and the strength of the Lord."

Moran's statement reflected that of Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, who said, "The cardinals have expressed great confidence in [Bergoglio's] personal gifts and previous service to the Church, both in Argentina and internationally."

Details about the new Pope Francis, the first of that name, began to filter into news outlets Wednesday afternoon. An Argentinian, he is the first non-European pope in the modern age, the first South American pope and the first Jesuit pope.

In his first public statement as pope he asked the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for him. He also led those gathered in a prayer for his predecessor . Benedict was the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign.

Bergoglio chose his papal name for Saint Fancis of Assisi, who is a very popular figure in Italian culture. The 12th-century priest was known for his poverty and simplicity, both of which were characteristics ascribed to Bergoglio after his election was announced.

"The shortness of the conclave speaks volumes of the trust that the cardinals have in him to be a strong leader for Catholics and, indeed, for the world, in the ways of truth and morality," Serratelli said.

Bergoglio was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. He was an opponent of Argentina's decision to legalize gay marriage in 2010.

Vatican officials said he will be known as Pope Francis, not Pope Francis I.