Ribbons were put up at St. Paul's Catholic Church on Wednesday following the election of Pope Francis. (abc3340.com)Millions of people, Catholics and non-Catholics, watched as Jorge Bergoglio was introduced as the new Pope, Pope Francis.
A conclave needed just five votes to elect Francis. He had been the runner-up eight years ago when Benedict the 16th was elected.
Bishop John Baker with the Catholic Diocese in Birmingham didn't expect the cardinals to elect a pope until Thursday. He considers this a great time for the Roman Catholic Church.
Father John McDonald says "It's a beautiful moment in the life of the church, we're full of joy."
With the election of a new Pope comes excitement. Jeff Thomas hung bunting representing the colors of the pope at St. Paul's Cathedral. "I can speak for some our local parish here that we're very excited to have new leadership."
Bishop John Baker of the Catholic Diocese in Birmingham offered an early mass before the final voting took place. He says history has been made with the selection of Francis the First. "This new pope will put a Latin American face on the papacy for the first time in History. We have a pope from the Western Hemisphere, first Jesuit and first Francis."
Bishop Baker says the name Francis signifies the church's identification with the poor and the simple lifestyle in which he's been living. "He rode the bus to work, he visited the poor, lived in a simple apartment and cooked his own meals."
Some Catholics hope Pope Francis will be a voice for social justice and change. John Meehan says "The church really has to address the real issues that are affecting our church. The sexual issue among Priests that happen sometime. That's got to be an issues that's go to be resolved."
Bishop Baker says "The pope's job description is an impossible one humanly speaking. It was only because he was chosen by the Holy Spirit that he will be sustained and rising to many challenges he is going to face."
Bishop Baker says many Catholics from Alabama were in St. Peters Square for the news. He believes Pope Francis will help rebuild the church for the 21st century.
