New Pope Francis I Elected: Catholics in Falls Church React

The Catholic Church has a new Pope now that the conclave of Catholic leaders have cast their ballots for Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina.

Pope Benedict XVI stepped down from his position Feb. 28, citing failing strength of “mind and body." The new Pope has taken on the name Francis I.

In Falls Church, people are excited a new Pope has been selected.

“I am very excited to witness this moment in history and my hope is that whoever has been chosen, has been selected by God and is given the power to bring all walks of life together for a peaceful future,” said Falls Church resident Pat Giannelli, a parishioner at St. James Catholic Church in the city.

“No matter who we are, where we live or what religion we follow, we are all children of God in one form or another. I am confident that the people of the world will heed the Pope’s message from God, whatever it may be and live life to the fullest with peace and harmony for all as the No. 1 agenda,” Giannelli said.

According to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, which covers much of Northern Virginia, about half of the population of Falls Church City in 2010 was Catholic.

Pope Francis I, 76, was created a cardinal by Pope John Paull II and is known for riding the bus to work in Buenos Aires and championing the poor, according to The Guardian.

Patch will have more coverage as the day proceeds.

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