HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
It was a monumental day for Catholics everywhere as they celebrated their new leader, Pope Francis.
Parishioners at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Huntsville celebrated the new pontiff with an evening prayer service. Earlier in the day, they gathered at the church to watch the announcement on television.
The selection of Cardinal Bergoglio made people very happy, including the church's pastor.
Father Joseph Lubrano said he is "just the Pope we need."
He believes Bergoglio is the right man for the job because he is humble, yet not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.
Lubrano also said the fact he chose the name "Francis," after Saint Francis of Assisi, shows he is a man of the people, who wants to focus on helping the poor and reaching out to those in need.
Interestingly enough, the new Pope asked the people to pray for him, before he prayed with them.
Many Catholics believe he is the answer to the Church's problems.
"I think that is what this represents for me, is that we are moving forward. Yes, we have a lot of difficulties. We have a lot of areas we need to work on, but we can do it if we work together," said Lubrano.
Bergoglio is a Pope of many firsts, chosen in what may be one of the fastest votes in modern times.
The new Pope is the first to pick the name Francis. He is the first to be elected after a papal resignation in modern times. He is also the first Jesuit Pope.
He is the first pontiff from the Americas, more specifically from Latin America, which represents the largest Catholic population in the world.
"He represents the face of the Church. The face of the Church is diverse. It is not just Italian. It is not just Caucasian. The Church is diverse in all its magnificence and I think he represents that," said Lubrano.
The excitement for the Pope could be felt at Pope John Paul II Catholic High school as well. Students flooded class rooms while they waited for Pope Francis to show himself to the world.
"It was definitely a moment that I won't forget," said Dylan Jedlovec. "The anticipation was intense, and it means so much to the school and to Catholics all over the world just watching that."
Students say they started talking about a new Pope in Religion class the day after Rope Benedict XVI resigned.
"This hasn't happened since we were in 4th grade, so it was really exciting to get to see it happen again," said senior, Maya McDaniel.
More celebrations are expected at other Catholic churches in the Valley and in Birmingham in the coming days.
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Parishioners at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Huntsville celebrated the new pontiff with an evening prayer service.
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