Local reaction to new pope elect

(WTVR) – The Roman Catholic church has a new pontiff.

Cheers heard amongst a crowd of thousands in Vatican City as the announcement was made.

Jorge Bergoglio who has served as archbishop of Buenos Aires since 1998 is the new pontiff and will take the name Pope Francis I.

He is the first pope elected from South America.

The Reverend of St. Mary’s Catholic church, Father Michael Renninger, gives his take on what this monumental election means to the Catholic world.