New Pope Named: Peachtree Corners Catholics React

On a rainy Wednesday morning in Rome a whiff of white smoke arose from Vatican City's Sistine Chapel chimney notifying the thousands standing in the rain that a new pontiff to lead the Catholic Church had been chosen.

An Argentine cardinal, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, to be called Pope Francis, has been named the 266th leader of the Catholic Church.

The 76-year-old is the first non-European leader to be chosen in over a millennium.

He replaces Pope Benedict who led the church for eight years before resigning last month. The former pontiff, the first to resign in 598 years, said he was no longer able to manage the demands of the job.

"I would like to thank you for your embrace," said the new pope speaking from the white balcony on St. Peter's Basilica after the announcement.

For millions of Catholics, the new pontiff's arrival also signals hope that the new leader can meet the challenges of the 21st Century Catholic Church.

In Gwinnett there are nearly 68,000 Catholics and in Peachtree Corners Mary Our Queen Catholic Church has nearly 800 families as church members.

Patch attempted to reach a church leader at Mary Our Queen but the office had closed. We were able to reach Dr. Mary Kay Murphy, a long-time Peachtree Corners resident and current Gwinnett County School Board member.

"With his retirement, Pope Benedict provided an opportunity for Catholics throughout the world to support the first ever Pope from Argentina," said Dr. Murphy. 

"The Cardinals 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."

And another reaction from a Peachtree Corners resident:

It's a very exciting time for Catholics all over the World," said Anne Case."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!"

If you would like to share your reaction or thoughts to the announcement of the new pope and what it means to you, please use the comment box below.