Pope Francis Elected: Catholics in Commack React

As white smoke flowed into the air at the Vatican Wednesday, excitement and anticipation filled the minds of those here in Commack.

"Habemus Papem! We have a pope!" Christ the King Roman Catholic Church posted on its Facebook page soon after the powder-colored midst appeared.

About an hour after the decision was made, former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, who took the name Francis, was announced to be the new head of the Catholic Church.

The change appears to be a welcoming one here in Commack.

"A brilliant choice," tweeted Gerry C. "A new direction. A 'New World' person. The first Jesuit, the first from the America's, the first Pope Francis."

The Pope's name is taken from St. Francis of Assisi, a man, who much like Bergoglio was known for his humility.

Bergoglio lived by simplicity in his tiny apartment in Buenos Aires, where he cooked his own food and turned down the limousine provided to all Cardinals to travel by public transportation instead. 

That humble lifestyle has proven to be an admirable quality to Catholics here in Commack.

“Like many Catholics, I have a devotion to St. Francis of Assisi because he was a man of simplicity, great trust and great faith. That our new pope has chosen the name ‘Francis’ shows that he is a humble man who wants to bring us together through the message of the Gospel and in faithfulness and obedience to the teachings of the Catholic Church," Father Joe Davanzo of Christ the King Roman Catholic Church said in a statement. "I believe that he will have a deep connection with all people, that he will see all people equally as children of God, and he will inspire us to do the same.”

In addressing the crowd at the Vatican, as well as the millions watching from their televisions and computers, Pope Francis I thanked the people for their support and asked for their prayers as he entered his new position.

"Let's begin this long road from the bishop of Rome to the people. Let us all behave with love and charity. Let us go along this road of fraternity and faith in ourselves. Let us pray always not just for ourselves, but for everyone in the world because there is a great brotherhood among us," he said.

The election of Pope Francis I came about after Pope Benedict XVI made the stunning announcement that he would resign, effective Feb. 28. He was the first pope in 600 years to do so.