Excitement and pride filled the offices of the Archdiocese of Atlanta on Thurday as staff and clergy gathered to witness a moment of history.

On Thursday, the election of the first American-born pope brought excitement to many Catholics across metro Atlanta. “I think there’s a new energy that has been reborn with the election of this new pope,

The conclave, which begins today in Rome, will take place under tight security as 133 cardinals from around the world gather to elect the next pope.