A Jesuit priest expressed delight at the election of Pope Francis, who is a member of the Society of Jesus, highlighting that the group was founded to serve Christ's Church.

“It seems to be God's will that at this point the Jesuit charism come to the center of the Church, in a beautiful way.”

The priest expressed emotion as he called election to the papacy one of the greatest honors “a human being can have, and that it can come to a Jesuit is tremendous. I have to say, I am delighted.”

Fr. Gawronski expressed an initial surprise at the election, “because we've always been at the service of the Church, but distinct from the hierarchical Church; Jesuits don't generally become bishops or cardinals, and certainly not Popes.”

“He comes from the new world, and Franciscan missionaries were so important to the new world, as were the Jesuits in the new world.”

“Taking the name of Francis is a beautiful thing, and it speaks to a desire to rebuild Christ's Church, to continue building it,” said Father.

Pope Francis was the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires. White smoke wafted from the Sistine Chapel at 7:06 in the evening in Rome, announcing his election. He greeted the crowds of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square an hour later, after spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the Pauline Chapel.