UD students have high hopes for pope

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The eyes of the world were on Vatican City as the Catholic Church chose a new pope.

People in the Miami Valley were just as enthralled at the idea of new leadership within the Church.

Students at the University of Dayton are no exception.

Alejandro Trujillo is a freshman.  He excitedly watched the announcement of the new pope Wednesday afternoon.

Pope Francis I is the first Latin American to serve.

Many people across the world, like Trujillo, hope he will bridge the gap between Europe and the global south, home to a bulk of the world's Catholics.

"I'm really excited about it.  I'm Hispanic.  I was born in Mexico.  It feels like it's making it more global," said Trujillo.

The University of Dayton will hold a special mass Thursday at noon at the campus chapel.