Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina has been announced as the new Pope.
Bergoglio, 76, has chosen the name Francis, according to Vatican Radio.
He is the first pope from outside of Europe in the modern era, the first South American pope, and the third straight non-Italian pope.
Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square — as well as millions of people watching on television around the world — were fixed upon the balcony where the new pope appeared for the first time.
“As you know, the duty of the conclave was to appoint a bishop of Rome,” he told a cheering crowd of thousands packed into St. Peter’s Square. “It seems to me that my brother cardinals have chosed one who is from faraway. … Here I am. I would like to thank you for your embrace.”
Here in Chicago, the election of a new pope will be marked by a Mass of Thanksgiving (Mass for the Pope) celebrated at Holy Name Cathedral at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday. The mass is open to the public.
Moments after the newly elected Pope Francis addressed a large Vatican City crowd for the first time since being elected pontiff, a message on the pope’s Twitter account — which had been dormant since Benedict XVI stepped down — said, “Habemus Papam Franciscum.” That translates, from Latin, as, “We have Pope Francis.”
HABEMUS PAPAM FRANCISCUM—
(@Pontifex) March 13, 2013
The result of the vote was heralded by white smoke rising from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel. Bells also rang just after 7 p.m. (2 p.m. ET), confirming that the 115 cardinals had elected the man who will succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned unexpectedly last month.
Seventy-seven votes were required to confirm a new pontiff to step into the shoes left empty by the historic resignation of Benedict XVI at the end of last month.
8 Comments to “Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina announced as new Pope”
March 13, 2013 at 2:32 PM
May God Bless Our New Pope. Pope Francis. This shows me how the "Holy Spirit" was in the Sistine Chapel blessing us with a new Pope. It seems to me that everyone had an Idea on who it would be and The Name "Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio" from Argentina never came up. Our Holy Spirit is alive and well. God Does Know Best.
March 13, 2013 at 2:32 PM
God Bless!
March 13, 2013 at 2:47 PM
Long live Pope Francis 1. May he prove to be as worthy of his new position as John Paul.
March 13, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Wonderful News! viva el Papa! Peace to the world–we need it so badly!
March 13, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Is he a Reformist? That is my main question. Can he lead us into a modern age going against the abuse scandals, and relating to the modern day people.? Can he hold us together? Those are my questions..
March 13, 2013 at 4:13 PM
Will he stand up against child molesters? Even though it really is a federal crime. But, hey, religious people are immune from laws for some stupid reason.
If they paid their taxes like I do they could go to prison!!!!
March 13, 2013 at 5:16 PM
I had my money on Darth Vader, better luck next time.