SIOUX FALLS - The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls says the election of Pope Francis is recognition of the changing face of Catholicism.

Pope Francis is the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. Bishop Paul Swain in Sioux Falls says church membership is growing outside of Europe, so it made sense for cardinals to look elsewhere for the church's new leader.

Swain says it's important to have a pope "who understands the dynamics of the whole world."

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