Timaru's Catholics celebrating the arrival of the new Pope can get their last-minute rosary beads at the $2 and 5 shop.

Kevin and Sarah McCambridge, who manage the store, said the promotional sign placed outside their store was ''a bit of fun''.

''We're both good Catholics. We heard the news first thing morning,'' Mr McCambridge said.

''We've had a few people coming in this morning because of the sign advertising the rosary beads - we were already selling them, but now's a good opportunity to get them.''

Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's this morning, just over an hour after white smoke poured from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to signal he had been chosen to lead the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

He has chosen the papal name Pope Francis I.

Mr McCambridge wished the 76 year-old Pope Francis I all the best. ''We hope he can modernise the Catholic church,'' he said.

Assistant priest at Sacred Heart Father Chinnappa Thumma said today's announcement was "surprising, but also exciting".

"Christianity and Catholicism is growing in South America, so it is appropriate for the new pope to come from that region," he said.

"Much has been made of the challenges that the Church has faced recently, including the sex abuse scandals and concern about corruption in the Vatican. The whole church is praying for Pope Francis I. We know he will be able to deliver."

Meanwhile, if you need last-minute St Patrick's Day paraphernalia for Sunday, the good catholics at the $2 shop have also got you covered.

''We're selling out of green hats and flags,'' Mr McCambridge said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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