National

College of Cardinals Selects New Pope


New Pope is first from South America and first Jesuit

ROME—(ENEWSPF)—March 13, 2013. Jorge Mario Bergogolio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, was elected pope today — the second day of the conclave of the College of Cardinals. Bergogolio, the first pope from South America and first Jesuit will lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

Bergogolio, age 76, will be known as Pope Francis I.

The new pope, dressed in white papal vestments, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to a cheering crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“As you know, the duty of the conclave was to appoint a bishop of Rome,” he said. “It seems to me that my brother cardinals have chose one who is from faraway. … Here I am. I would like to thank you for your embrace.”

Until last year, Bergoglio was the archbishop of Buenos Aires before stepping down because of his age. He is a follower of the church’s most conservative wing.

 

 


ARCHIVES