Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina has been elected as the Catholic Church's 266th Pope. He is first Latin American to be pontiff, and will call himself Francis I.
After his election on Wednesday night, the 76-year-old Pope appeared on a balcony and greeted crowds in St. Peter's Square,. He was the archbishop of Buenos Aires.
He asked the faithful to pray for him. Cheers erupted as he gave a blessing.
French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran announced the Pope's election with the Latin words "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam" ("I announce to you a great joy. We have a Pope").
In his first address, Pope Francis I told the crowd in St. Peter's Square: "It seems my brother cardinals went almost to the end of the world (to choose a pope)."
Moments after the announcement of his election, he tweeted: "Immensely happy to be the new Pope, Francis I."
Earlier, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney announced the new Pope's election. Crowds in St. Peter's Square cheered and bells rang out as the smoke appeared.
Pope Francis I replaces Benedict XVI, who resigned Feb 28 at the age of 85, saying he was not strong enough to lead the Church.
He is the first Jesuit to become pope.
The 115 cardinals have been in isolation since Tuesday, and held four inconclusive votes.
At least 77 of them, or two-thirds, would have had to vote for a single candidate for him to be elected Pope.
Crowds with umbrellas gathered in the square waving flags from around the world.
The Catholic News Agency said people were running through the streets of Rome, hoping to reach St. Peter's Square in time for the appearance of the new Pope.
"Viva il papa!" they chanted, as they waited to learn his name. Once the name was announced, the chants turned to: "Fran-ces-co! Fran-ces-co!"
And then, to trumpet fanfare, the balcony curtains parted and the new Pope appeared to bless them. He asked them to pray with him, and for him. The people roared their approval.
US President Barack Obama sent "warm wishes" on behalf of the American people to the newly elected pontiff.
Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?
A member of the Jesuits and ordained in 1936 after four years as priest, Bergoglio became head of all the Jesuits in Argentina.
After studying in Germany, he became bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and archbishop in 1998. A strong supporter of helping the poor, Bergoglio was made cardinal in 2001.
(with inputs from IANS)
(Credit Image: © Evandro Inetti/ZUMAPRESS.com)
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