Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has been elected by his peers as the new pope, becoming the first pontiff from the Americas.

He has chosen to be known as Pope Francis.

White smoke billowed from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel earlier Wednesday, indicating the cardinals selected Francis after two days of voting.

The voting came after Benedict XVI stunned the Catholic world last month by becoming the first pope in 600 years to resign. Crowds packing St. Peter's Square were seen waving flags and were cheering the announcement as bells were ringing. 

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.

Francis became the winner after receiving at least 77 votes, which is more than two thirds of the cardinals.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/13/world-watches-as-cardinals-convene-for-2nd-day-papal-conclave/#ixzz2NRyoxSQC

 

 

• This guy is the first Pope to not be from Europe in about 1300 years. 
• He's from Argentina.
• He's 76 years old.
• His real name is Jorge Bergoglio.
• He took the name Francis for his Papal name. 

Congratulations, Pope Francis I! 

So they didn't choose the black guy.

My school's teachers will be so happy to hear this...

So they didn't choose the black guy.

 

Miracles only happen once.

Congrats to the new pope!

I'm related to one of the guys that ran, believe it or not. He was like the second favourite guy, the Brasilian one.

He looks like he's in his late 50s. Congrats to the new pope

I saw the whole thing. It was very cool! The very first pope from the Americas is elected. That's history right there! Congratulations Pope Francis I!

So... I thought the pope was supposed to be chosen by God or some-such? Can they just appoint someone lie that? Not that I care. I'm not religious. Just curious as to how that's supposed to work...