Habemus Papam: Francis I Elected New Pope

White smoke billowed from atop the Sistine Chapel, announcing the 266th Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope, in Vatican city.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina took the biblical name of Francis on the 13th day of March, 2013.The new Holy Father stepped out onto the balcony to greet the thousands gathered in Saint Peter's Square, Rome, Italy. The crowd cheered and cried out with explosive joy as the College of Cardinals let the waiting world know that a new Pope was among us.

One doesn't have to be Catholic to understand the vast history of this church and to thrill in this special day.

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Pope Francis is a modest man of 76 years. He delivered 3 prayers; Our Father, Glory Be and Hail Mary to the hushed people.  Asking the faithful to pray for him, he also spoke of goodwill to all men and women and blessed the world and the ensuing path of the Catholic Church.

A Pope of firsts, Francis is the first pope of the New World and the first Jesuit Cardinal to become the Holy Father. Exuding warmth and compassion, he is said to be humble and a supporter of social justice. (Known to use public transportation and to prepare his own meals, Francis has given his service to the poor.)

The name Francis was chosen by the new Holy Father. Saint Francis came from wealth, yet gave all his goods away in support of those without. Saint Francis is the patron Saint of animals and the environment, and Pope Francis  treasures both.

Faced with huge challenges, the new Pope is asked by the Catholic Church to take on the role that is fraught with conflicts. His intelligence, empathy, gentleness and ability to administer will start his journey in positive fashion.

[Sources, MSNBC, WABC, CNN}