Rodi: New Pope sign of global church

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - It was a different start for Wednesday’s mass at Little Flower Catholic Church in Mobile.

Father John Lynes started Mass with a prayer for the Catholic Church’s new Pope. But it was newly elected Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio's blessing that got everyone's attention.

"Traditionally, the Pope gives a blessing. His first blessing, and what he did, he said, ‘Please pray for me.’ And the whole square at St. Peters went silent and really moved people,” Lynes said.

Pope Francis could be called a Pope of firsts. He is the first to take the name of Francis, the first of the Jesuit order and the first to hail from the Americas.

Mobile Arch Bishop Thomas Rodi said this is a sign of the global church.

"As the Church is increasingly global, the leadership of the church is going to be increasingly global. So to have a Pope elected from the Americas for the first time, this is exciting; and this is historical," said Rodi.

Pope Francis was also an unexpected choice, but Father Lynes said that speaks to his character.

"I think because he didn't promote himself. He is a quiet prayerful man it seems,” said Lynes.

Although Pope Francis has only been Pope for a few hours, many Catholics see great things for the Catholic Church