New Mexicans react to first vote on new pope

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - One vote down, possibly many to go as Roman Catholic cardinals are set to reconvene Wednesday for the election of the next pope.

Many Catholics in New Mexico are also eagerly watching and waiting for word from Rome that a new leader has been selected to head the church.

Many parishioners at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in downtown Albuquerque gathered for weekday mass on Tuesday at noon.  This was about the same time the cardinals in Rome were conducting the first vote for Pope.

"It's just always nervous getting a new leader," says parishioner Ashley Peña. "It's a big thing to me in my Catholic faith finding a new Pope. It's a big deal, so I'm kind of nervous, but I'm really excited to watch it, the whole process."

"I'm almost sure it'll take a while," added Henry Gurulé. "It'll probably take the whole time they're allowed."

Some of the parishioners had included in prayer intentions that cardinals would make a wise selection for a new pope.

"People are praying for someone who could be a good leader and a good man," says Father Rafael Garcia, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. "A holy person who would lead well for the difficult times that we're living."

As the cardinals reconvene Wednesday, the only thing on the majority of minds of Catholics KRQE News 13 interviewed is for an easy transition for the new pope.

"I'm so anxious to find out how the Holy Spirit is going to lead the cardinals to elect the new pope," says parishioner Leticia Correón.

Many parishioners said they will be lighting candles and keeping a close eye on the news out of Rome until the next pope is selected.