New Pope Francis Elected: Catholics in Gaithersburg React

Gaithersburg Catholics are reacting with excitement to the news that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected pope.

At 3:22 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis, appeared on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square after news outlets reported that white smoke was pouring from a Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election of a new pope.

Roman Catholic Church cardinals began meeting Tuesday at the Vatican. The 115 voting cardinals took four or five votes over two days, USA Today reported.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl—archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, which includes Washington, DC, and Maryland's Montgomery, Prince George's, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties—took part in the selection process.

The Guardian describes Bergoglio as "a Jesuit intellectual who travels by bus and has a practical approach to poverty."

Msgr. Paul Langsfeld, of Gaithersburg's St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, told Patch he is sure the cardinals were looking for someone in the developing world, and particularly in Latin America.

"Francis was clearly someone who was respected by the whole college of cardinal ...  In his simplicity, humility and moral integrity, he will probably call the whole church to reform, not just the Vatican bureaucracy," Langsfeld said. "I have a sense that there is a strong will behind his placid demeanor. He is said to be strong on evangelization, and is a powerful preacher."

Rich McPherson — President of the Catholic, all-boys Avalon School in Gaithersburg — said Avalon is excited about news of the new pope.

"This pope's pontificate, especially since he took the name Francis, and being Argentinian, and being a Jesuit, and with World Youth Day in Brazil this summer, should make for a truly interesting next few years," McPherson said. 

Catholics also reacted to the news in nearby Georgetown, a neighborhood known for its Jesuit university, Georgetown Patch reported.

Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, elected in 2005, became the first pope to resign in 600 years last month.

A Mass for Washington area Catholics is planned for Wednesday evening to mark Bergoglio's election.

How are you reacting to the news of Pope Francis' election? Tell us in the comments.