Bishops from Iowa and Nebraska are welcoming newly elected Pope Francis.

Bishop Martin Amos from the Diocese of Davenport on Wednesday posted a note online welcoming 76-year-old Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who has chosen the papal name Francis.

In Nebraska, Bishop James Conley of Lincoln posted a brief celebratory note. He also scheduled a Mass for Wednesday afternoon.

Amos says in his note that he’s sure cardinals considered many factors in their selection Wednesday. He says they picked a leader who could bring reform to issues such as church scandals, Mass attendance, the role of women in the church and evangelization.

An Argentinian, Bergoglio is the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium.