Huntingdon Valley Monsignor 'Thrilled' with Selection of New Pope

White smoke appeared at the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday at 2:05 p.m. (7:05 p.m. locally) signifying that a new pope has been elected.

A little over an hour later, Argentine Jorge Bergoglio was announced the new pope taking the name Pope Francis. The 76-years-old takes over for 85-year-old Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned from the position last month.

Rev. Msgr. Paul Dougherty, of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Huntingdon Valley, said it was a "great choice" especially given his origin.

"I was pleased he was from South America," Dougherty said. "I think that's a nice choice there with someone in that part of that world. That continent has such a catolc presense. someone who lives a simple life."

In today's world where news travels instantaneously through Social Media, this was one of the few occasions where everyone found out at the same time. Most seemed surprised at the choice, partly because he is 76-years-old.

I'm thrilled. I think he's a great choice. i don't know too much about his background yet. he made a very favorable impression on me.

"I was surprised," Dougherty said. "I thought it was going to be someone a little bit younger. I didn't see his name a lot in the pre-speculation. I was pleasantly surprised ... It seemed like the Holy Sprit was at work choosing him as Pope."