` ` Today is a historic day , '' Argentina 's president says . Priest : The pope 's status as the son of immigrants could resonate with Latinos . Mexican bishops say his selection is ` ` a beacon of hope '' for Latin American churches . Pope Francis is the first pope from Latin America .
`` Today is a historic day , '' Argentina 's president says . Priest : The pope 's past as the son of immigrants could resonate with Latinos . Mexican bishops say his selection is `` a sign of love '' for Latin American churches . Pope Francis is the first pope from Latin America .