Abilene Reactions to Pope Francis

"Great news for all of us: Hispanics, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, South American. All of us, we're very elated," says Primitive Antonio Hernandez.

The 76-year-old is the first Latin American to be elected pope. Given that 46% of all Catholics are Hispanics, his ethnicity is already creating a special bond.

"I had a lot of calls from my parish saying 'wow, we have a pope of our own," says Father Morugudi.

Pope Francis chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint for the poor, ecology and animals. His selection has this community very excited.

"I was very happy. Because of Saint Francis, yes. And I started crying, I said 'thank you Pope, thank you, thank you, thank you," says Mary Tovar.

For this church, the spirit of Saint Francis is always all around them.

"He didn't live for himself, he lived for others. And not just in things, his whole life he gave himself to the poor," says Father Morugudi.

Pope Francis has also lived a servant life, always a man of the people.

"He did wash the feet of 12 aids patients and till yesterday, he lived among the poor," says Father Morugudi.

This way of life is what the Catholic Church thinks will take them into the future.

"There's going to be a great change. He's going to open the doors," says Father Morugudi.

As Pope Francis begins his role, his followers eagerly await a brighter tomorrow.