3/13/13 - Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope Wednesday and chose the name Francis, becoming the first pontiff from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium. Looking stunned, Francis shyly waved to the crowd of tens of thousands of people who gathered in St. Peter's Square, marveling that the cardinals needed to look to "the end of the earth" to find a bishop of Rome. In choosing a 76-year-old pope, the cardinals clearly decided that they didn't need a vigorous, young pope who would reign for decades but rather a seasoned, popular pastor who would draw followers to the faith. The cardinal electors overcame deep divisions to select the 266th pontiff in a remarkably fast, five-ballot conclave. Francis asked for prayers for himself, and for retired Pope Benedict XVI, whose surprising resignation paved the way for the conclave that brought the first Jesuit to the papacy. "Brothers and sisters, good evening," Francis said to wild cheers in his first public remarks as pontiff. "You know that the work of the conclave is to give a bishop to Rome. It seems as if my brother cardinals went to find him from the end of the earth. Thank you for the welcome." Bergoglio had reportedly finished second in the 2005 conclave that produced Benedict â who last month became the first pope to resign in 600 years. The church bells rang out at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church following the announcement and Father John Rocus tells WHMI the selection was a surprise and will serve as the face of the Christian faith on earth, regardless of denomination. He says children attending a small school that the church operates in Hamburg Township gathered to watch a live internet feed, although with a few technological hiccups. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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