Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected Roman Catholic pope on March 13, becoming the first pontiff from the Americas and taking the name Pope Francis. Appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica a short time later, the new pope greeted a vast crowd gathered below in St. Peter’s Square with salutations in Italian and led a prayer for his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
New Pope Elected: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio Of Argentina
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Newly elected Pope Francis (center), Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, blesses people on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after being elected by the conclave of cardinals on March 13.
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Faithful cheer as newly elected Pope Francis appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
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Newly elected Pope Francis appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
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People cheer as white smoke rises from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, indicating a new pope has been elected at the Vatican.
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Newly elected Pope Francis appears at the window of St Peter's Basilica's balcony.
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People pray for newly elected Pope Francis as he appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
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The crowd reacts in St Peter's Square after white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel announcing that Catholic Church cardinals had elected a new pope.
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French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran announces Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected by the conclave at the Vatican.
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People cheer as white smoke rises from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, indicating a new pope has been elected.
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Bells ring at St Peter's Basilica after white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel announcing that Catholic Church cardinals had elected a new pope.
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People cheer as white smoke rises from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel.
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Swiss guards arrive while the balcony where the new pope will appear is seen in the background minutes after white smoke rose from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel.
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White smoke rises from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, indicating a new pope has been elected.