After two days of voting, the Catholic Cardinals chose a new pope on Wednesday, March 13th.
The conclave of Cardinals officially voted in Argentina’s Jorge Bergoglio, 76, as the new pope. He took the name Francis.
Francis is the first pope ever chosen from the Americas. This humble man is known as "man of the people" and is described as "the man who will ride the bus with the people."
The world is excited
The new pope appeared to the crowds on Wednesday, March 13 just after 3:00 on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Prior to his appearance, Cardinal Protodeacon Jean-Louis Pierre Tauran, of France revealed his identity to the world.
Prior to the announcement, white smoke came pouring out of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. The intense crowds outside the Vatican cheered and waved flags while bells rang and bands played.
This pope will succeed Benedict XVI, who resigned for health reasons. He was the first pope in 600 years to resign.
For more information on the new pope, click here.
