New Pope Francis I Elected: Los Gatos Catholics React

Sister Nikki Thomas, principal at St. Mary's School in Los Gatos, couldn't contain her excitement ... after all a new pope had been chosen in Rome, Italy to represent the Catholic Church worldwide.

"I'm very excited that we have a new Pope from a South American country," said the town spiritual leader about the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to become the 266th pontiff.

"South America is a very Catholic continent and it's good to have them well represented," she said.

Like many other Catholics around the South Bay, region, state, nation and world, the religious woman had thought the conclave would choose Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, also from Argentina, but it didn't matter.

"He's the CEO of the whole Catholic world," she noted. "He's a very influential spiritual leader."

Father Rick Rodoni, the pastor at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Los Gatos, exclaimed, "Thanks be to God," after being reached by phone at his parish office.

"In an unprecedented time when a pope resigns after so many centuries, now we have a pope from outside of Europe and so this is, in its own right, an exciting time for the church," he said.

Asked what kind of leader the faith needs, Father Rick said: "One who is open to dialogue and who understands the current issues of our time and can address them in a way that would bring some unity to the church."

Parish secretary, Lisa Lawson, 42, couldn't contain her happiness. "I'm thrilled. It's great to have a pope from Argentina. I was praying for the last two days so the conclave would make the right decision."

She added: "He represents what we strive to be. He's an example of goodness, living our life always with God."