Catholics in Berks County are also celebrating and learning what they can about their new pope.

Pope Francis is known for his humility and it was on full display at the Vatican.

"I loved the fact that he had the people bless him and pray for his welfare," said Rick Lanciano.

Lanciano is studying to be a Deacon and had dinner with Deacon John Murphy of Saint Ignatius Loyola Church.

"He's a real blessing in every sense of the word," said Deacon Murphy, "And it certainly shows the influence of the Holy Spirit because no one on the outside so called Vatican checkers had him on the list."

Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina was on one person's short list, Sister Eloina Alvarez. She works at the Kennedy House in Reading. And she said she was praying for three cardinals whom she has met and knows.

"I was sitting in front of the TV and waiting for the smoke," said Sister Eloina.

Sister Eloina was busy Tuesday packing food for the poor. She gave out 150 bags Wednesday morning and then could watch the news from the conclave.

"God provide us the person who help the world," said Sister Eloina.

She's from Argentina. And she met Pope Francis when he was Father Bergoglio around 1980.

"I make a retreat for eight days," said Sister Eloina.

Father Bergoglio was at a Jesuit seminary in San Miguel.

"He helped me in that time because I was a young sister," said Sister Eloina.

Sister Eloina returned to the United States, but her family shared with her his reputation.

"The Cardinal from Buenos Aires, he help the poor people," said Sister Eloina, "He has a little room and he cook the food by himself. He didn't have any person that helped in the house."

Now that fellow Argentine is her pope.

"I'm so happy, but I say we'll have to pray more for him because he's going to take big responsibility," said Sister Eloina.