What Does Pope Francis Mean For The Church?

NEW YORK (WLNY) -- Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope Wednesday and chose the papal name Francis, becoming first pontiff from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium.

Reverend Luke Sweeney from the Archdiocese of New York joined The Couch, alongside TV 10-55's Mary Calvi, who has covered the Church extensively.

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Rev. Sweeney said his election came as a surprise.

"He wasn't one of the front runners, and the fact that he was elected so soon really shocked us," Rev. Sweeney said. "And the fact that they chose someone over 70, even though the Pope has to do a lot of world traveling, was surprising."

Calvi added that Pope Francis was nearly elected at the last Papal Conclave in 2005.

For the full interview, check out the segment below.