We Have a New Pope

At 8:12 p.m. (Vatican Time) the curtains parted, the doors to the balcony opened, the announcement was made.

And the new Pope is....

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He has taken the name Pope Francisco or Francis I.

At 8:23 p.m. Vatican Time, he appeared on the balcony. He greeted the crowd, said a prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict. There was a silent prayer for the new Pope and then a prayer for the world. At 8:34 Vatican time he left the balcony after wishing the crowd a restful night.

I can't even imagine what he must be thinking and feeling right now.

Obviously, more details in the days ahead.

New Pope Chosen

I just got done writing that you probably would not hear it here first, and already I'm reporting that a new Pope was just chosen.

New Pope chosen in Vatican City.

More details later.