Winnipeg reacts to selection of a new pope

Winnipegers react to Argentinean Jorge Mario Bergoglio becoming the 226th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

Staff and students at Winnipeg's Saint Paul’s College huddled around a computer to screen to watch history unfold from the Vatican.

“Waiting to see who our new pope was really killing me with excitement,” said Bénédicte Lemaître, “So he already taught me how to be patient before becoming pope.”

Argentinean Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 226^th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

The 76-year old, who made history as the first pope from the Americas, chose the papal name Francis.

Many in Winnipeg’s Argentinean community say it was a big day for the South American country.

“Lots of people are really excited,” said Alvaro Edorza. “They are proud, proud of this.”

Gonzalo Agrimbau was raised Catholic in Argentina. He said Bergoglio, the former Arch-Bishop of Buenos Aires, is known for his hands-on work in the community.

“Actually part of the community and helping families that are dealing with different types of necessities,” he said.

Father Marcel Carriere, of Winnipeg’s St. Boniface Cathedral, says Catholicism is especially strong in Latin America and he thinks this may help the new pope engage with people.“I think it’s very good news that where the faith is active is where the pope comes from,” he said.

The date for the new pope’s installation has not been announced yet, but Vatican spokesperson Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said it could be on March 19.