On the fifth round of votes, members of the conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergolio, who took the name of Francis, after Francis of Assisi; missionary and guardian of the poor. White smoke, bells and new garments for the newly elected pope commenced the ceremony. The inaugural mass will take place on March 19 at St. Peter’s square in Italy.
Born in Argentina to Italian parents, the newly elected pope addressed the crowd in Italian.
The first ever elected pope of the western hemisphere, and the first Latin American. The Americas combined, have the largest group of the catholic faith – over 50% are catholic.
Tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s square to welcome the new pope. Despite the rainy weather conditions, Snap shots from cameras and cellular phones brighten the evening at the square.
In his first address to the crowd Pope Francis welcomed everyone – in his own words: Good evening, as you well know, the purpose of the conclave is to elect a pontiff for the Roman Catholic Church – it appears that my cardinal brothers went to look for one at the end of the world (Argentina) but here we are. I am thankful and humbled by this election. Rome now has a new Archbishop, thank you. First and foremost, I would like to pray for my predecessor Benedict XVI and I would like to ask you to join me in prayer – let’s pray together for him.
Pope Francis led the crowd in prayer with the two most symbolic prayers among catholic – “Our father” and “Hail Mary.”
The pope then continued with his brief addressed to the crowd stating: We now open a new chapter and a new path to fraternity, love, unity, and trust. Let’s pray for brotherly love, for the world. And now, I would like to bless this town and the world. To all men and women of good will, blessings. Sisters and brothers – thank you for the warm welcome. Please pray for me. I’ll see you soon. Tomorrow, I would like to pray to the virgin (Mary) so that she will protect Rome. Good night, have a restful evening.
Pope Francis appeared confident and poised. He addressed the crowd with a soft voice. He was then escorted to his new living quarters, one of the largest castles of the European Union.
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