Catholics in the Philippines welcome the new the pope - Argentina's Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio - with a prayer.
Filipino Catholics say they will throw their support behind the 76-year-old pope, and are optimistic that he can deal with the church's challenges.
Faithful in Beijing offered up prayers of their own.
Beijing and the Vatican broke formal diplomatic relations shortly after the Chinese Communists took power in 1949.
The Vatican says it is willing to start talks with China.
But China says the Vatican must first sever ties with Taiwan, which China considers a renegade territory.
One Catholic woman said politics aside, she remains faithful.
In Seoul, Pope Francis' election was met with praise and prayer.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) CATHOLIC PRIEST LIM DONG-GUK SAYING:
"I congratulate him on being elected as new pope. Our colleagues and faithful will pray for the new pope. I sincerely hope the new pope will spiritually lead us a lo
