Religion - unionleader.com

NH reacts to election of Pope FrancisLike Catholics around the world, the faithful in New Hampshire prayed and rejoiced Wednesday over the selection of the first man from their side of the world — the Western Hemisphere — to lead the Catholic Church.

A woman prays as Bishop Libasci officiates Mass in celebration of the election of a new Pope, at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

Janice Mercure and Bob French of Nashua speak to the New Hampshire Union Leader before Bishop Peter Libasci said a Mass in celebration of the election of a new Pope at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

Sister Elizabeth Castro, who is originally from Mexico City, and now is with the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Lord in Nashua, speaks to the New Hampshire Union Leader, before Bishop Peter Libasci, said a Mass in celebration of the election of a new Pope at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. ( Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

A nun takes communion from Bishop Libasci, during a Mass in celebration of the election of Pope Francis at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

Bishop Libasci says Mass in celebration of Pope Francis' election at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

Arlene Dupuis from Bedford speaks before Bishop Peter Libasci says Mass in celebration of Pope Francis' election at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

Eric Thoman of Manchester speaks to the New Hampshire Union Leader, before Bishop Peter Libasci says Mass in celebration of Pope Francis' election at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)

A man kneels as Bishop Libasci says Mass in celebration of Pope Francis' election at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester on Wednesday. (Thomas Roy/Union Leader)