Local Catholics react to pope selection

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Religious leaders and residents around Hampton Roads joined billions of Catholics Wednesday in the celebration of a new pope.

Argentina's Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope in Vatican City. Bergoglio, to be known as Pope Francis, is the first pope from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a thousand years.

Photos: Introducing Pope Francis I

10 On Your Side also spoke with Father Joe Metzger of the Blessed Sacrament in Norfolk. Metzger said the church has had its fair share of scandals and negative press, and believes Pope Francis is ideal choice to restore the church's image.

"I feel fantastic. I am very pleased and happy for the church," Father Metzger said. "The Jesuit order is not only very intellectual, but part of their training is missionary work and they are devoted worldwide especially to the poor, to academics and he represents everything that the order stands for. His brother Cardinals saw [the change] in him."

For Blessed Sacrament church members, the announcement was one filled with pride and hope.

"We were really, really excited," Sister Regina Stupa said.

"I think every time you get a new pope, it's a new era," church member Lawrence Dotolo said. "We have to see what happens."