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Parishioners at Cathedral of Christ the King gathered Wednesday night for their third daily Mass, a special one that was considered a rally for newly elected Pope Francis.

"It's nice that we have a pope now," said Matthew Dubravcak. "We're out of that time of uncertainty."

Dozens of people paraded around the Chevy Chase neighborhood near the church before the rally, chanting 'Viva la Papa Francis' after the weekly 5:30 Mass concluded, the first time these churchgoers were able to pray for the new pope.

"I really think they are sending a 'rebuild my church' message," said Cindy Olson. "When I saw the white smoke I was jumping up and down. I was giddy as a schoolgirl."

Other parishioners told LEX 18 Pope Francis brings a renewed sense of hope and more excitement to the Catholic Church. Father Richard Watson says the news of the new pope will make his trip to Italy in May much more enjoyable. He's hoping to see the pope during his trip which would make the second pope Watson has seen in the last year.

Another clergy member, Father Mark Dreves, said the early decision to elect Pope Francis proved the cardinals wanted to show their unity.

"Hopefully this [event] is not going to happen for a long, long time," said Father Dreves. "It's history in the making."