Habemus Papem: POPE FRANCIS I

Pope Francis I

A few minutes ago, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected to be the 265th successor of Saint Peter. He has chosen the name Pope Francis.

When the white smoke appeared from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel, hundreds of people standing in the rain in St Peter's Square began to run through the streets to tell family and friends. Within minutes a huge crowd of more than 100,000 had gathered in the Square and the adjoining streets to hear Cardinal Tauran say the words 'Habemus Papem." Speaking softly in Italian, Pope Francis said: “Brothers and sisters good evening.

"You all know that the duty of the Conclave was to give a bishop to Rome. It seems that my brother Cardinals have come almost to the ends of the earth to get him… but here we are. I thank you for the welcome that has come from the diocesan community of Rome.

"First of all I would say a prayer pray for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI.. Let us all pray together for him, that the Lord bless him and Our Lady protect him.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory be to the Father…

And now let us begin this journey, the Bishop and people, this journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches, a journey of brotherhood in love, of mutual trust. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the whole world that there might be a great sense of brotherhood . My hope is that this journey of the Church that we begin today, together with help of my Cardinal Vicar, be fruitful for the evangelization of this beautiful city.

And now I would like to give the blessing, but first I want to ask you a favour. Before the bishop blesses the people I ask that you would pray to the Lord to bless me – the prayer of the people for their Bishop. Let us say this prayer – your prayer for me – in silence. (St Peter's Square fell silent for several moments).

(The Protodeacon announced that all those who received the blessing, either in person or by radio, television or by the new means of communication receive the plenary indulgence in the form established by the Church. He prayed that Almighty God protect and guard the Pope so that he may lead the Church for many years to come, and that he would grant peace to the Church throughout the world.)

Immediately afterwards Pope Francis gave his first blessing Urbi et Orbi – To the City and to the World.

He said: "I will now give my blessing to you and to the whole world, to all men and women of good will.

Brothers and sisters, I am leaving you. Thank you for your welcome. Pray for me and I will be with you again soon.

We will see one another soon.

Tomorrow I want to go to pray the Madonna, that she may protect Rome.

Good night and sleep well!"

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires in 1936. His father, an immigrant from Italy, was a railway worker. He grew up with four siblings and originally planned to become a chemist, but eventually decided to become a priest and entered the Society of Jesus in 1958. He was ordained in 1969.

He spent almost his entire career in Argentina, teaching literature and philosophy in his early years and serving as the country’s Jesuit provincial in the 1970s.

He has always strongly upheld Catholic teaching on abortion and euthanasia. He has called adoption by gay parents a form of discrimination against children - a view which was criticised by Argentinian President Cristina Fernández de Kirchne.

He is a member of the Congregations for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments; for the Clergy; for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life ; Pontifical Council for the Family; Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

The election of Pope Francis means many 'firsts'. This is the first time a Pope has come from South America; the first time a Jesuit has been chosen, and he will be the first Pope Francis.

Pope Francis lives simply. When he became bishop he gave up his big residence and moved to a smaller place. He cooks for himself and travels by bus.

He has always shown great concern for the poor and sick. “This is a man who goes into the shantytowns and cooks with the people," said Gerard O’Connell, CTV Vatican specialist. "I think the world is going to discover a very new style of being pope."