The Toronto Catholic community is feeling exhilarated by the election of a new Pope.

Auxiliary Bishop William McGrattan led mass at St Michael's Cathedral Wednesday evening, saying a prayer for Jorge Bergoglio.

Before mass, he spoke to reporters, saying he was surprised by the Cardinals' choice because Bergoglio was not one of the perceived frontrunners.

"I think, too, his age," McGrattan says. "Most people would have expected someone between 65 and 70. But seeing him on television, he looks quite robust and in good shape for someone who is 76."

McGrattan says even though he is surprised with the choice, he thinks it would a good one for the Cardinals to make, considering where Bergoglio is from.

"I think we're seeing someone from the south," he says. "There are many issues globally that are faced by these countries, and they are issues that we in North America should also be conscious of."

He says he looks forward to meeting the new Pope when he next visits Rome.