The College of Cardinals at the Vatican in Rome has chosen Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, of Argentina, as the Roman Catholic Church new pope. White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the traditional signal that the selection has been made, shortly after 2 p.m. today (a little after 7 p.m. in Rome).

According to his Vatican bio, Pope Francis was born Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires; he was ordained for the Jesuits Dec. 13, 1969. Bergolgio served as President of the Bishops' Conference of Argentina from November 2005 until November 2011.

The name of the church’s new leader remained a mystery for about an hour until he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Once his name was announced the Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Facebook page shared the news:

"Welcome Pope Francis!"

What are the greatest challenges the new pope will face? What will it mean here in Loudoun? What do you think of the choice? Speak out in the comments below and let us know what you think.

This article first appeared on Leesburg Patch.