New Pope Francis Elected: Easton Catholics React

Catholics around the globe watched Wednesday as Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the new pope.

Among them was the Rev. Deogratias Rwegasira of Our Lady of Mercy parish, who watched on his cellphone as Pope Francis I made his first public appearance.

"It is God's word, so we are very happy. He has given us a leader," said a beaming Rwegasira.

Bergoglio is the first Jesuit to be named pope, as well as the first pope to come from Latin America.

But Rwegasira downplayed the new pontiff's nationality.

"The choice of pope is for the entire world," he said. "The Catholic Church is universal, so at this point, we are happy God has answered our prayers."

Brett Hendrickson, a Lafayette College professor of religious studies who specializes in religion in Latin America, saw more significance in the choice of a South American pope.

"It's a sign that the center of gravity for the Catholic Church has shifted," he said.

Forty-one percent of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics live in Latin America, according to the World Christian Database. Having a leader who comes from that part of the world is something that probably should have happened already, Hendrickson said.

"Better late than never with the Catholic Church," he said.

ABC News Online reported that the new pope is considered a champion of social justice in his country, but also strongly opposed to abortion, same-sex marriage and contraception.  

And Hendrickson said those views might disappoint more progressive Catholics hoping to see the church change its policies on social issues.

At the same time, he said Francis I might have more in common with Pope John Paul II: a "love for the poor" and a drive to improve economic conditions through political change.

Therein lies a paradox: Pope Francis' views on issues like abortion and gay marriage might make it harder for him to be a political force, Hendrickson said.

Easton Catholics writing on the Easton Patch Facebook page were happy and hopeful Wednesday afternoon.

"He is going to be a wonderful Pope, may The Lord bless him and strengthen him for his journey," wrote Lee Ann Guryn, who added that "I like his first act was to ask for prayer, it reminds us that Jesus is the head of the church."

"His work with the poor is what it is really all about," wrote Reader Frank Graziano, Jr., who made the connection between Pope Francis and St. Francis of Assisi, a famed champion of the poor.

According to published reports, the new pope has lived modestly, taking the bus to work, cooking his own meals and opting to live in an apartment.

Bergoglio succeeds Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned Feb. 28, the first pope to do so in 600 years. He cited advanced age.