The bells of St. Peter’s started ringing and the crowds began cheering just moments after 7 p.m. local time, as white smoke from the Sistine Chapel indicated “Habemus Papam.” We have a Pope!
Just over an hour later, the 266th Successor of St. Peter has been announced by the senior cardinal deacon: It is Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, who had been serving as the archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He takes the name Francis.
The crowds in St. Peter’s Square near immediately began chanting “Francesco” as they await his arrival on the central balcony for his first “urbi et orbi” blessing.
