DENVER - Denver-area Catholics reacted to the news that the Catholic Church elected a new Pope, Jorge Bergoglio, Wednesday.
Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila says the decision was a bit unexpected, partly because of Bergoglio's age.
He says the choice does recognize the vitality of the church in South America.
Aquila says the fact that Bergoglio has already asked the people to pray for him says a lot about his character.
A special mass to celebrate the Pope's election will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculte Conception.
It will be officiated by Monsignor Thomas Fryar.
(KUSA-TV © 2013 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)