History has been created in the last hour as Cardinal Jorge Bergogolio, the archbishop from Argentina has been elected Pope, the first pontiff from Latin America to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
He is also the first Pope from outside Europe.
Bergogolio, who will be known as Pope Francis the first, was elected by cardinals in what was apparently their fifth round of voting on the second day of their conclave.
Dressed in white papal vestments, Pope Francis first appeared to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
He said to a cheering crowd of tens of thousands that quote “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” end quote from Pope Francis.
He is 76.
Bergoglio is considered a straight-shooter who calls things as he sees them, and a follower of the church’s most conservative wing.
He has clashed with the government of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over his opposition to gay marriage and free distribution of contraceptives.
He was elected by cardinals on the second day of the papal conclave at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
White smoke along with bells ringing throughout St Peter’s Square announced his election in the last hour, bringing cheers and prayers of joy from the tens of thousands looking on.
CNN analysts from Argentina say Pope Francis the first is a man of the people and changes are expected in the Catholic Church.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
