Catholics in the diocese of Altoona-Johnstown celebrating their first masses Wednesday evening under the direction of a new leader--Pope Francis.  And after going weeks without a Pope, a sigh of relief from many of the faithful.

Bishop Mark Bartchak, Altoona-Johnstown diocese, says, "It makes people feel at ease. It’s like any family without a father or mother and now again we have our leader."

Bishop Mark Bartchak says he is full of joy over the news. He's been praying for the new Pope since word of Pope Benedict's resignation last month. And he isn’t the only one. Local Catholics joining in celebration with Catholics around the world this day--a day that will go down in history.

Frank Machi, State College, says, "I was very happy, very happy that they quickly came to a decision on the new pope. I was amazed to see all of the people there cheering and supporting our church."

Pope Francis is the first Pope from Latin America. And though his roots are thousands of miles from our area, his connection hits close to home for Bishop Bartchak. In fact, they share a mutual friend.

Bishop Bartchak adds, "He was so excited to speak about him, his humility, his sense of deep charity. So I got excited to hear that someone I know actually knows the Pope."