New Pope Is From Argentina
by Associated Press
March 13, 2013 3:59 PM
The new Pope Francis Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina has appeared on the balcony above St. Peter's Square, waving to the tens of thousands of people who were gathered below.
Francis looked stunned as he faced the cheering crowd. He asked for prayers for himself and for retired Pope Benedict, whose resignation paved the way for the conclave that chose the Argentinian today.
After announcing "Habemus Papum" or "We have a pope!" a cardinal on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica revealed the identity of the new pontiff, using his Latin name.
The crowd had braved cold, rainy weather to watch the smokestack atop the Sistine Chapel. They jumped for joy when white smoke poured from the chimney a few minutes past 7 p.m. Chants of "Long live the pope!" arose from the faithful, many with tears in their eyes.
Francis is the first pontiff from the Americas, and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium.
