Jorge Mario Bergoglio is new pope

• Posted on March 13, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected as the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church

The 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church will be known as Francis.

Cardinals elected Cardinal Bergoglio as new pope to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics on Wednesday, overcoming deep divisions to select the 266th pontiff in a remarkably fast conclave.

Tens of thousands of people who braved cold rain to watch the smokestack atop the Sistine Chapel jumped in joy when white smoke poured out a few minutes past 7 p.m., many shouting “Habemus Papam!” or “We have a pope!” as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and churches across Rome pealed.

The pope, whose identity isn’t yet known, is due to emerge from the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square to deliver his first words as the bishop of Rome. The lag time was giving Romans plenty of time to get to St. Peter’s, and a steady stream of pilgrims and tourists were making their way.

Chants of “Long live the pope!” arose from the throngs of faithful, many with tears in their eyes. Crowds went wild as the Vatican and Italian military bands marched through the square and up the steps of the basilica, followed by Swiss Guards in silver helmets and full regalia.

They played the introduction to the Vatican and Italian anthems and the crowd, which numbered at least 50,000, joined in, waving flags from countries around the world.

Credit: http://www.thehindu.com