LA MOTTE, Que. — One of Marc Ouellet's brothers says their mother is extremely proud of the cardinal even though he did not become pope on Wednesday.

Louis Ouellet said the entire family is looking forward to seeing Marc Ouellet when he visits his Quebec hometown of La Motte this summer.

Ouellet told a news conference in the town of about 450 residents their 90-year-old mother Graziella had mixed reactions when she found out her son wouldn't be pope, that she smiled and said she was getting to keep her son.

"It was with great anticipation that our mother, surrounded by members of her family, learned the identity of the new pope,'' he said. "Both excited and relieved that the process is over.

"Graziella stated that she was extremely proud of her son Marc.

"We have experienced a full range of emotions....It is with great joy that we will welcome our brother back this summer to spend time with the family in peace and tranquility far from the media.''

Earlier, La Motte Mayor Rene Martineau said he was proud, disappointed and relieved after finding out their local son would not be the new pope.

Martineau is also looking forward to seeing the cardinal whenever he can visit La Motte.

That scenario would definitely have been a lot more complicated had Ouellet emerged victorious.

Photo of La Motte mayor Real Martineau and Roch Ouellet: Jerome Roy