New Pope Francis Elected: St. Benedict of Holmdel Reacts

After just two days of papal conclave, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76 of Argentina, has been elected the new head of the Catholic Church.

With his chosen name of Francis, he is the first Jesuit and first Latin American Pope in the Catholic Church.

Father Dan Swift of St. Benedict in Holmdel was excited to hear the news and felt it was very humble of Bergoglio to lead everyone in a prayer. 

"I'm very pleased with everything I've seen today and we know that this man is God's choice," he said. "I think it's wonderful that he prayed with us... That's very telling." 

Swift noted that tomorrow morning the church would be draped in gold and white, which is a traditional way to honor the election of a new Pope. For now, their sign along Bethany Road proclaims their happiness, reading, "Habemus Papem! We have a Pope! Pope Francis."

Deacon Vincent Rinaldi of St Mary's in Colts Neck said they were also pleased about the announcement, and finds hope in the simple life Bergoglio has lead.

"I'm feeling great about it, I think he's the right man at the right time for the job. To be brutally honest with you, I truly believe in my heart of hearts that the Holy Spirit played a huge part in the election," Deacon Rinaldi said.

Rinaldi said being a Jesuit, Pope Francis is a natural educator.

"He is the face love and compassion that the church needs at this time."

And while it only took two days for millions of Catholics around the world to see the white smoke at The Vatican, Deacon Rinaldi said he believes it was not a hasty decision.

"I think the reality is that they really prayed and search, and that they were in agreement that they felt that he was the right person...I look at it as agreement as opposed to haste."

Bergoglio received the second most votes in the last papal election, when Pope Benedict XVI was elected.

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