Windsor Catholics watched Wednesday with wonder as white smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel bringing news a new pope had been chosen.

Father William Riegel, pastor at Our Lady of Assumption Church, called Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s selection an “answer to our prayers.”

"I was filled with joy,” he said. “I was somewhat surprised though about how soon a pope was elected."

Pope Francis was selected after four ballots failed to produce a winner during a conclave that began Tuesday.

“I don't know him personally of course, but the signals that have already been sent out are very interesting,” Riegel said. “Most particularly, the choice of his name Francis.”

Francis of Assisi is a well-known saint within the Catholic Church. He’s known as a saint who reached out for simplicity, poverty and care for the poor.

Students from Assumption College watched as Pope Francis emerged from the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

"I was really surprised to see that this pope wasn't from Europe,” student Stephen Tolmie said. “It's going to be something new, something that we haven't experienced in a long time."

Others say they are looking forward to getting to know the man from Argentina.

“It's like a new step forward for our new leader and it's just so exciting to see who it is and what he's all about,” Baillie Gibson said.