Syosset Catholics 'Excited' for New Pope

Syosset Catholics were thrilled to learn that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was named the new Pope.

"We're certainly excited about it," said St. Edward the Confessor Deacon Jim Murphy. "We're prayerful and it gives us great hope."

Bergoglio -- now known as Pope Francis -- has a notorious past as a humble man in touch with the poor. It is that humility that Murphy says will bring back some lost faith in the church.

"I think the church will reestablish itself in its dedication to the poor, not that we ever left," said Murphy, adding that a "phenomenal" amount of money and dedication is directed toward the poor, hospitals, and other areas of need. With the election of the Pope, Murphy said that outreach will hopefully come back into the spotlight.

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"We now have someone who lives a life full of concern for the poor and it's wonderful."

Before being elected Pope, Bergoglio notoriously sold his palace and traded a chauffeur for the subway to get to work.

The election of Bergoglio came on the second day of the Conclave, the centuries-old tradition of balloting used by 115 College of Cardinals to elect a successor to the Throne of St Peter. The final ballot was the fifth one, and white smoke appeared over the famed Sistine Chapel at 7:05 p.m. (CET in Rome) or 2:05 p.m. in New York.

That role known as the Vicar of Christ became vacant last month when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down, citing his age and infirmity.

Related: Syosset Catholics Praise Pope's 'Courageous' Resignation

According to Catholic tradition, the newly appointed Bishop of Rome is the 266th successor of St. Peter and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church of 1.2 billion Catholics.

Pope Francis is now the first ever Jesuit Pope, a fact that also impressed Murphy.

"He's a Jesuit so he must be a very bright individual," he said.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre issued a statement, saying Bishop William Murphy joins" the universal Church in rejoicing in the selection of Francis I as Pope. We give thanks to God for the gift of Pope Francis I, the 266th successor of Saint Peter, the Vicar of Christ on earth.  

"We join the Church in prayer for our new Holy Father as he begins his new ministry," the statement said.