Gwinnett Reaction to New Pope: 'I Got Goose Bumps'

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentine cardinal who was elected the 266th leader of the Catholic Church on Wednesday (March 14), is described as a humble, saintly man dedicated to serving the poor.

Bergoglio, who will be called Pope Francis, is “truly a holy man…a humble man,” said Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, commenting on ABC TV News.

• What's your reaction to Pope Francis? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

In Gwinnett County, where 67,700 Catholics live, the new pope was greeted with warmth and excitement.

Here’s a look at some of the reaction:

> Maria Buzonas, 46, and a parent at St. Pius X High School in DeKalb County, also teaches at St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School in Lilburn, where she said students were watching the news all day.

"I'm very excited,” she said. “It shows the Catholic Church is progressing. I'm happy he's a pastor priest," who has led a congregation before.

She said she hopes the church focuses on making its message clear worldwide and explaining what the church "really stands for."

"I want him to keep with tradition but with all the new technology available, [also] be able to get that word out across the world about what the Catholic Church is all about."

> Gwinnett Chamber Vice President Nick Masino, who attends St. Monica's in Duluth, told Suwanee Patch via email that Wednesday was “an exciting time for all Catholics.”

"The new pontiff has challenges that need to be addressed.  The church has a bright future if they are dealt with effectively," Masino added.

> “It's a very exciting time for Catholics all over the world," Peachtree Corners resident Anne Case told Peachtree Corners Patch. "I got goose bumps when I heard, ‘Habemus Papam. We have a Pope.’ 

"I loved that he lived a simple and humble lifestyle in Argentina … living among the people in an apartment and riding the bus.  He preferred to be called Father Jorge rather than Cardinal. I think Pope Francis is going to be very refreshing and a wonderful leader for Catholics and Christians. He lives the faith!"

> Gwinnett County School Board member Dr. Mary Kay Murphy said the electors were “wise in seeking a new voice to lead the 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide and I, among them, look forward to the leadership of our new Pope, His Holiness Jorge Mario Bergoglio."

People were reacting locally on social media, too.

> A poster on Snellville Patch’s Facebook page said that although she’s not Catholic, she’s impressed with the new pope.

She wrote: "I love that so much symbolic thought went into Pope Francis’ name and his words and demeanor. Picking the name Francis of Assisi, the great and humble reformer, certainly creates some big shoes to fill, but from what I'm hearing and reading about this man, he is more than capable.”

> A poster on Loganville-Grayson Patch’s Facebook page added, "There is a feeling of peace surrounding him. A positive move for the Catholic Faith.”

In Atlanta, , congratulated the newly elected pope in news release. 

Asked for his personal reaction, Bishop Zarama said: “I hold my tears. It was very emotional, powerful.”

Patch editors Jonathan Cribbs, Judy Putnam, Steve Burns, Faye Edmundson, Sharon Swanepoel and Crystal Huskey contributed.