New Pope Francis I Elected: Catholics in Mountain View React

Updated at 4:40 p.m. with quotes from St. Joseph's and St. Athanasius.

As white smoke billowed from the chimney shaft on the Sistine Chapel, Catholics around the world held their breath.

This Wednesday they learned the name of their new leader, Argentine Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, who will from now on be known as Francis I. After just one day, Pope Francis I was chosen by the 115 Cardinals gathered in conclave. He now becomes the 266th pontiff in the history of Catholicism.

"The Cardinals went searching for bishop of Rome all the way across the earth," Pope Francis said. "They've chosen someone who is from far away and here I am."

Reaction from Mountain View has started to trickle in, especially from those glued to their televisions and radios.

"It's exciting," said Father Bob Moran of St. Joseph's in on Church Street. "First he's from outside of Europe and he's a very simple man and he'll call us to simplify our lifestyles."

St. Joseph's parishioner Job López also expressed his satisfaction that Bergoglio had been chosen.

"My first impression is that it's positive because he's Latin American," said Job López, a parishioner and volunteer at St. Joseph's Church. "But I don't know anything about him. I don't yet know what his doctrine insofar as the church goes."

According to CNN, Bergoglio is a "straight-shooter and follower of church’s most conservative wing," who's opposes gay marriage and the distribution of contraception. However, in choosing the name of Francis, Bergoglio hints at the approach he will likely take as the religious leader of 480 million Catholics.

Moran noted that the name Francis does make a statement. "St. Francis was very humble and lived a simple lifestyle. Pope Francis wants to get us back to basics."

Associate Administrator of St. Athanasius Mike Caveras called chosen name "encouraging."

"[St. Francis] a favorite saint of mine for his work with the poor and how he tries to reach out to people," said Caveras, who's worked and attended at St. Athanasius for 20 years. "I'm heartened by [Bergoglio's] work with the poor and I think that's a good signal to the world.

Caveras added that since he's from Latin America, it would probably inspire the church there.

"He's about evangelizing and that's important for the church now because it really need that," he said. "Unlike Benedict XVI who was more of an intellectual. It's a nice change of pace."

A parishioner at St. Athanasius agreed.

"I feel good because he is Latino and speaks our language," said Angelina Aguirre.

On Facebook, Mountain View residents and employees shared their reactions.

"So neat to see it live!" said Laura Grandone, who watched on MSNBC. "I am happy with the selection."

Pope Francis I was preceded by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who resigned on Feb. 11 citing "he didn't have the strength that it requires." Benedict XVI is the first pope to resign since 1415—that's 598 years—and now this marks the first time in modern history that there are two living Popes.

According to Catholic New Service, the official installation of Pope Francis I could take place on Mar. 19. That's where the pontiff receives his tiara, fisherman's ring and pallium—the shoulder band.

Related stories:

• Local Reaction to Pope Benedict's Resignation
• Resignation of the Pope: Your Reaction to Benedict XVI's Announcement?

This story is still developing. Check back for more local reactions or add yours to the comment sections below!