New Pope: 'Not Business as Usual,' Says OLGC Priest

Wednesday's papal selection could represent the start of a significant new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, according to a pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

The Rev. Damian McElroy said he was "exhilarated" by the selection of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

"It sets a tone," said McElroy, explaining the significance of having a new pope. "Each pope brings a particular identity to the papacy, and to the identity of what it means to be a Catholic."

Though McElroy said he didn't know what to expect from the new pontiff—and admitted he had never heard of Bergoglio before he was introduced—he suggested the Church could be in for some rather significant changes during his tenure.

"My feeling is, it's not business as usual," said McElroy.

Bergoglio, the son of an Italian railway worker, is the first Jesuit pontiff, the first Latin American pope to lead the church and the first non-European pope in roughly a millennium. He has taken the name Francis.

McElroy was encouraged by what little he knew of the new pope, particularly his commitment to the poor.

"His reputation is one of kindness and simplicity," said McElroy.

Francis was elected to the papacy after two days of conclave meetings with a total of five ballots cast, the Huffington Post reported. He is the 266th pope.

What do you think of the choice? Share your reaction in the comments.