It was reported by CNN and other sources around the world today, March 13, 2013 that Catholics have a new pope.
It was history making on several accounts.
Jorge Bergoglio, 76, is the first pope to take the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He is revered among Catholics for his work with the poor. He is already being called "Pope for the People."
Pope Francis is the first non-European pontiff of the modern era. He is from Latin America.
He becomes the first pope who is Jesuit, a large religious order of priests and brothers in the Catholic church.
Pope Francis did not follow tradition when greeting the 150,000 packed into St. Peter's Square. He asked the crowd to pray for him.
Pope Francis who served as archbishop of Buenos Aires was elected by cardinals in the fifth round of voting on the second day of the conclave.
The new pope told a cheering crowd:
"As you know, the duty of the conclave was to appoint a bishop of Rome. It seems to me that my brother cardinals have chosen one who is from faraway. ... Here I am. I would like to thank you for your embrace."
Pope Francis is known for his simplicity. His biography reveals that he chose to live in an apartment rather that the archbishop's palace, passed on a chauffeured limousine, took the bus to work and cooked his own meals.
Francis has a reputation for being a voice for the poor.
The newly elected Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pontiff and will lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
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