SPEAK OUT: Cardinals Pick Bergoglio, Now Pope Francis

The College of Cardinals at the Vatican in Rome has chosen Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, of Argentina, as the Roman Catholic Church new pope. White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the traditional signal that the selection has been made, shortly after 2 p.m. today (a little after 7 p.m. in Rome).

What are the greatest challenges the new pope will face? What will it mean for Catholics here in Manassas, Manassas Park and Western Prince William County?

What do you think of the choice? Speak out in the comments below and let us know what you think.

According to a New York Times article, Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires and ordained in the Jesuit order. Bergolgio served as President of the Bishops' Conference of Argentina from November 2005 until November 2011.

The name of the church’s new leader remained a mystery for about an hour until he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The announcement caused Catholic students at the Seton School in Old Town Manassas to excitedly leave class—some in the middle of testing—to go to the school's gymnasium for a special assembly. The school air news footage from Europe in the gym using a speakers and a large television.

The speakers and TV had been set up for days in anticpation of the announcement, Seton School officials said.