Bishop to WMass Catholics: Pray for new pope

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield Bishop Timothy McDonnell is asking for prayers for Pope Francis , who was elected by the College of Cardinals on Wednesday.

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, previously Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was introduced as pope before thousands of pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square following a fairly short conclave.

In a statement sent to 22News, Bishop McDonnell said that Bergoglio would be a good leader for the world’s two billion Catholics.

"This week we prayed for a new pope that would be both wise and holy.  In today's election of Pope Francis, we have been blessed with just such a person. I invite the people of our diocese to join me in praying for our new spiritual shepherd as he undertakes his pastoral duties,” McDonnell wrote.

Some were surprised by the decision being announced Wednesday. Father Gary Daly of the Catholic Diocese told 22News, “I was surprised; I was expecting to hear the news on Thursday, but a great announcement, a great joy for the church today.”

Francis is the first pope from the Americas, and the first pope from outside Europe since the 8th Century.