Springfield's Catholic Bishop will hold a Mass of Thanksgiving Thursday in celebration of the selection of a new Pope.
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki says he believes Pope Francis I will inspire American Catholics because of his historic status as the first Pope chosen from the New World. Paprocki believes Francis will be a strong spiritual leader who will fiercely defend traditional Catholic teachings.
The celebration Mass will be held at noon Thursday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
