Kansas City Diocese Shares 'Shock' At New American Pope

Changing of the guard, breaking of tradition and local reaction to what was the biggest story around the world.

Here's the cowtown angle . . .

White smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel Thursday, signaling a new pope has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church.

“Quite a shock, very unexpected,” Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop James Johnston said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Kansas City diocese reacts to first American pope being selected

White smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel Thursday, signaling a new pope has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church.

'Hard to believe': Local priest reacts to first-ever American pope in real time

Half a world away from The Vatican, Father Mike Roach of St. James Catholic Church in Liberty waited on Thursday for the announcement of Pope Francis' successor.