Bloomfield Area Catholics Embrace Pope Francis

Millions around the globe watched Wednesday as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 266th pope live from the Vatican. And the students at St. Regis Catholic School

Using their SMART Boards, students of all ages watched as the white smoke appeared late Wednesday afternoon, signaling the conclave selected the 76-year-old Argentinian as the new head of the Catholic Church.

"It was so exciting to watch the coverage live on the web – I don’t remember this much on-line news and live broadcasts from 2005 (when Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was chosen)," said Sarah Hogan director of religious education at St. Regis Parish.

Students speculated on who would be chosen all week, and on the possibility of the new pope coming from the United States or Canada, Hogan added. They were just as excited to learn Pope Francis is the first from the Americas and want to study him further.

"We have prayed for the conclave, Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, and for the new Holy Father over the last weeks at Mass and in class," she said. "Students have learned about the history of the papacy and the conclave process.  We’re excited to learn about Pope Francis."

Despite not having a front runner, Bergoglio received the necessary minimum of two-thirds (77) of the 115 votes on the fifth ballot in one of the fastest conclaves in years, the Detroit News reported

What do you think of the selection? Tells us in the comments.