ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
Formembers of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, Wednesday'sevening mass took on a sacred tone on the heels the historic announcement of anew pope.
"Iwas more emotional than I thought I would be , just knowing that people aroundthe world are all praying at the same time," said Cathie Bucko,a parishioner at St. Mary Magdalene.
Partof the mass was delivered in Spanish in honor of Pope Francis of Argentina --the first Latin American Pope.
"It's a gift from God, not just for the Latin American people, the same way thatthe previous pope's from Europe, this will also be for the church universal,"said Father Jorge Torres of the Diocese of Orlando.
Whiteand gold bunting was draped above the doors of St. James Cathedral in downtownOrlando -- a rich tradition symbolizing the election of a new pope, as thewhite smoke came billowing, parishioners gathered together awaiting the bigannouncement.
"Iimmediately went to the computer and sent out an email to everyone saying whitesmoke, and then of course many of us gathered around the television or at ourcomputers looking at what was on the Vatican website," said Carol Brinati ofthe Diocese of Orlando.
Torressays Pope Francis will unify Catholics across the nation.
"Hewill be able to bring forth unity that sometimes people may not see as obvious-- the fact that the church is universal," Torres said.
St.Mary Magdalene parishioners left mass hopeful for their new holy leader.
"Ijust really hope he brings some new life into the church and just energizeseverybody," said Bucko.
Orlando Bishop John Noonansaid the new pope is a powerful example of the church's universality,
