ALBANY, N.Y.---Many Catholics say there is a great sense of excitement surrounding Pope Francis and what he could potentially bring to the Vatican.
The white smoke signaled a changed in leadership for the church, a change that means something different for Catholics of all ages.
"Probably a call to vocations," says Bob Benac. "There's just not enough priests to go around."
"We need someone who is compassionate and willing to make changes," adds Noreen Cadieux.
72-year-old Noreen Cadieux says she sees a need for the younger generation to be drawn into the Catholic Church and hopes Pope Francis will make that a priority.
"I think he could symbolize and openess, to what they're thinking or to what they're searching for," says Cadieux.
"I truly believe this is the kind of pope we need to have," says Deacon Jim O'Rourke of St. Francis the Assisi Parish in Albany.
Deacon O'Rourke says he is confident Pope Francis will open up the church and bring a lot of people back.
"One out of four individuals who say they're Roman Catholic attend mass on a regular basis, and that's an unfortunate thing," says Deacon O'Rourke. "We really would like to welcome back and welcome home many, many of the Catholics."
"The youth need to come into our churches," adds Cadieux. "I think we need to reach out to their needs and be more open as to what they're trying to tell us."
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