PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -
At Wednesday night's mass at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh there was a lot of excitement, and a different energy than usual, as the congregation rallied around the church's new decision. Mass started off with the big news all Catholics are talking about.
"Hallelujah, we have a Pope!" said Bishop Terry LaValley, he says the church is pleased with the cardinals decision on Pope Francis.
"Stunned, very happy, and anticipating good things now from the church," said Bishop LaValley.
It was just a few hours before, when white smoke was seen from the chimney at the Vatican.
Telling the world a new leader had been chosen. That news has members of St. Peter's, ecstatic.
"'We are just loving it, we'd love to wrap our arms around and give him a big kiss," said congregation member, Mel Frechette.
Bishop LaValley is also encouraged that Pope Francis is from South America, "A great majority of catholic Christians today are from Latin America so to have a pope from Argentina is just a special gift to the Americas."
And others in the church agree, "We're loving the fact that he comes from South America and its going to bring a lot of fresh ideas," said Frechette.
