Philip Tartaglia said he had "cried tears of joy" when the announcement was made.
He said: "As soon as I heard I went into my chapel and offered a grateful and joyful prayer of thanksgiving - Deo Gratias!"
"I was surprised the conclave was so quick.
"It took hardly any longer than the election of Benedict XVI. Given the pre-Conclave situation, and the absence of a single dominant figure, I can only see this quick result as God's work.
"He is a man of firsts. The first Latin American. The first Jesuit. The first Pope Francis. I think we can take from his first appearance that he is a humble, spiritual and calm man.
"A reconciler and healer, with a strong background on social justice.
"His name reminds us of the little saint of Assisi, a simple man who was the poor servant of Jesus and who was given the message 'rebuild my church'.
"It is a very significant message for our time. He may also have in mind St Francis Xavier, the great missionary and a reminder of the need for a new evangelisation.
"We missed having a Pope. Catholics feel the need for Peter. We now have Peter back. The new Pope will give us joy and confidence."
John Mcginley, a priest from Glasgow, travelled to Rome for the historic event.
He said: "They cheered wildly and raced towards the basilica as the smoke billowed from a narrow makeshift chimney and St Peter's bells rang.
"The excited crowd cheered even more loudly when Francis appeared, the first Pontiff to take that name. "Viva il Papa (Pope)" they chanted.
"I wasn't expecting it, but I'm delighted. It's a unique moment. There is a great sense of unity here. It's great they have come to a decision about who will lead the Church.
Messages of support for the new Pope were posted on the Scottish Catholic Observer's Facebook page.
Laura, 39, a teacher from Glasgow, said: "I'm glad we finally have a non-European Pope to represent a global church. I'm very encouraged he's taken the name Francis.
"It sounds like he lives the values St Francis embodied and that suits our impoverished times."
Joanna Wilson Skinner said: "God bless to Pope Francis. He needs all the prayers, he can get, and the help and support of Catholics around the world. He will have a lot on his plate."
Andrew Veitch Walker said: "Let's all show respect and wish every blessing on our Holy Father. Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome, 266th successor to St Peter. God be with you."
Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said he hoped Glasgow would get the chance to welcome Pope Francis as it had his two predecessors, John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
He said: "The excitement and joy surrounding the election of Pope Francis is shared by many Glaswegians and countless millions around the globe.
"The spectacle and drama of the conclave has captured the interest of people beyond the Catholic faith.
"I wish the new Pope health and success as he undertakes his ministry.
"I hope we will get the chance to welcome him to Glasgow as we did his two immediate predecessors."
caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk
