Local Latino Catholics react to new Pope

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The new pope brings a lot of firsts. The first Jesuit. The first Francis. And the first Latin American which giving many Latino Catholics a reason to celebrate.

"The first Latin American pope," said Bishop Kevin Rhoades, of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. "I mean that's a great historic event. I'm sure there's much rejoicing today in Latin America, and all around the world."

Latinos make up the largest number of Catholics in the world, and there is quite a large population in Fort Wayne.  

"I don't know how many centuries it's been since we've had a non-European," Bishop Rhoades said. "Being the first Latin American or first American, North or South, I think shows the universal nature of the church, and really, this highlights that."

It's been more than 12 centuries since there's been a non-European pope. It's a change some local Catholic Latinos are welcoming.

"I'm really glad because he speaks my language, and also because we're going to have a better idea, Latinos, what is going on," said Efren Perc, who attends St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fort Wayne.

Bishop Rhoades said he hopes Pope Francis' first visit to the United States will be at a large conference for Catholic Families in Philadelphia in 2015.