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Subscribe to RSSAfter waiting 20 centuries for a Latin American pope, many of faithful there now believe they'll have a larger voice in the church, and that Pope Francis will pay special attention to the poor. NBC's Miguel Almaguer reports from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday and the bells of St. Peter's tolled, the crowd of thousands that had gathered in the square began cheering the election of a new pope to succeed Benedict.
Reactions poured in swiftly from around the world following Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio's first appearance as Pope Francis on St. Peter's balcony.
Pictures of the new pontiff were splashed across the homepages of newspapers in Argentina as he was presented to the world for the first time.
Latin American Catholics thrilled by the election of the cardinal wept and cheered in churches across the region at Bergoglio’s election.
“It’s a huge gift for all of Latin America,” Jose Antonio Cruz, a Franciscan friar in Puerto Rico told the Associated Press. “We waited 20 centuries. It was worth the wait.”
Argentine President Cristina Kirchner hailed the new spiritual leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
People from around the world who gathered in St. Peter's Square react to the election of Pope Francis
“On my behalf and that of the Argentine government and representing the people of our country, I wish to salute you and express my congratulations on the occasion of having been elected as the new Roman Catholic pontiff,” Kirchner said in a statement.
President Obama wished the world’s newest leader “warm wishes” as he ascends the Chair of St. Peter.
“As the first pope from the Americas, his selection also speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world, and alongside millions of Hispanic Americans, those of us in the United States share the joy of this historic day,” Obama said.
Vice President Joe Biden, who is Catholic, will lead the U.S. delegation to the new pope’s installation ceremonies, an Obama administration official said on Wednesday.
“I’m happy that they were able to come to a choice as quickly as they did,” House Speaker John Boehner, also a Catholic, told NBC News. The selection of a pope from South America is “another big step in the right direction for our church,” Boehner said.
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) also a practicing Catholic, posted on his Facebook page: "My family and I offer our prayers for Pope Francis. Like his namesake St. Francis, Pope Francis has lived a life of humility and commitment to the poor. For his spiritual leadership, we are grateful. And for his message of renewal, we will heed his call."
The pontifical Twitter handle came alive Wednesday after a silence that began with the resignation of Benedict XVI. “HABEMUS PAPAM FRANCISCUM,” the pope’s Twitter proclaimed.
American Catholics are praying Pope Francis will be able to repair the Church, damaged by scandal, and help usher in an era of credibility that can draw in more young parishioners. NBC's John Yang reports.
British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted that it was a “momentous day for the 1.2 [billion] Catholics around the world,” as Pope Francis was appointed.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said he hoped the new pope would “build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the promotion of inter-faith dialogue.”
“I look forward to continuing cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See, under the wise leadership of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Ban said.
Outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, home to papal contender Cardinal Timothy Dolan, there were no tears that the avuncular archbishop wasn’t elected.
“I think it’s great,” said Sister Lucy Grygorcewicz, who was visiting the cathedral with a group of Felician Sister. “He’s representing a large constituency and it’s new and different.”
“I think this is a moment that I will remember my whole life,” Ana Paula Valacco, a tourist visiting New York City from Buenos Aires, told NBC News. “It was completely unexpected and it’s crazy. Very, very crazy.”
Natacha Pisarenko / AP
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Feb. 14.
Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley, who was also considered a papabile, or contender for the Church’s top position, prayed for “grace and strength” for Francis in a statement.
And while the American contenders did not carry the day, a member of arguably the country’s most prominent Catholic family weighed in.
“Love his calm demeanor,” Maria Shriver tweeted of the serene Holy Father. “It’s a new world … let it begin.”
Edward Egan, the Archbishop Emeritus of New York, told NBC News' Brian Williams that this was “the moment of Latin America.”
“I can assure you he’s not feeble in any way at 76,” he said.
“Let us pray for Pope Francis!” former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, a Catholic, tweeted on Wednesday.
Excitement was equally high at Boston College, which hosts one of the largest communities of Jesuit priests outside the Vatican.
“As a Jesuit University we’re delighted with the selection of Cardinal Bergoglio as pope,” university spokesman Jack Dunn told NBC News. “He’s a man of great humility and empathy with the poor and those are characteristics that have long been cherished among Jesuit circles.”
Cardinal Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, greeted the election of Pope Francis I as a “great milestone in our church” in a statement released on Wednesday.
“The bishops of the United States thank God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the inspired choice of the College of Cardinals,” Dolan said in the statement.
NBC News’ Daniel Arkin, Petra Cahill, and Miranda Leitsinger contributed to this report.
Dmitry Lovetsky / AP
Cardinals elected Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio pope on the second day of the conclave, taking on the name Pope Francis.
Related:
Vote in our poll: Was Pope Francis a good choice?
This story was originally published on Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:56 PM EDT
Leave a Comment:
Hey! He's named after our silverware!
So don't watch the news for awhile
In Argentina, the man chose to live in a one bedroom apartment instead of the bishops mansion.
He chose public transportation over a chauffeur driven car.
He cooks and cleans for himself.
Thank you Argentina for giving the world a truly humble man and Pontiff.
Viva Francis!
"World reacts to new pope"... by not really giving a crap. I think NBC is living in a pretty small world these days. Really NBC, get over this story. We get that your editors are catholic but most of your readers aren't and there are more relevant things going on in this country and the world.
sounds like Reno is jones'n for some more NBC-Obama love fest
Reno911:
I think your statement of "I'm more interested" says it all, yes you may be more interested in other things and well I am interested in this story. This website is for news across the globe, if you want US news hit the US tab that's why it is there.
The front page reflects stories of great importance and in this case frankly an earthquake would have to be pretty big to effect 1.2 billion people across the globe.
After all the child sex abuse and money scamming they probably picked the guy they hated the most...do you really think ANY of them wanted this job???
"Not feeble", what a terrific complement.
Just a question! Is he gay or does he like little boys? Just a question if any one knows please post it.
New face...same crap..."and the people rejoice."
I'm glad for Argentina, but the United States is going to feel slighted now because a North American was not chosen, and we are going to have to bomb the Vatican, I think. Sorry! :)
Reno 911,
"I just think NBC is over doing this whole story."
It does seem that way, doesn't it? What I find ironic is that a self-professed liberal organization like NBC would be making such a big deal about such a conservative organization as the Catholic Church is. You would think they would want to ignore it as much as possible.
I would rather read about this than the stupid Jodi Arias case, folks being shot up or any other Kardashian, Jessica simpson oow baby story.
"After waiting 20 centuries for a Latin American pope . . .?" Come on! The earliest Catholicism could have been introduced into Latin American was in the 1500s or so. Can't NBC find some at-least-barely-educated writers? That's something that should have been learned in grade school.
Ryan continued, "But as we hear him, we will ignore him, as our GOP budget calls for reducing government aid to the poor, increasing corporate welfare programs, and throwing the sick and infirm back out into the streets without medical care, all while we give more money to the wealthiest among us. That, everyone, is the GOP way. God and the Pope have nothing to do with it."
They have apps now that let you pick the news you want to see. It's not like you paid for a newspaper that is nothing but pope news. There's so many different sources of news available that you could read the latest about North Korea or Kate Middleton's baby bump all day without resorting to reading about the pope.
I find the story fascinating and inspirational considering there are like $1.2 billion Catholics in the world. Whether you like the pope or not, I suspect he'll have significant influence over world history for the next 15 years or so.
I'm sure this is all exciting, but shouldn't someone tell Jose Antonio Cruz, Franciscan friar of Puerto Rico that 20 centuries ago, none of the inhabitants of the western hemishere were aware of the new Christian religion. That didn't happen until after Cortez in the 16th century. 4 centuries ago. They've been waiting 4 centuries. Fundamentalists are always getting history and time periods confused. Aside from that; Congradulations to the Catholic Church on their new Pope.
Hey, Latin America.....you didn't win a football match. This isn't what the selection of a new Pope of the Catholic Church is about.
It is about Catholics and God. It is not about you. Honestly.
Oh, you ignorant git, and you know this for a fact? I guess if this were part of your religion, it'd be ok to spread the word everywhere, huh? Moron. What more relevant things at the moment? The new Usher album? What the Kardashians are doing? What does an inbred like yourself consider to be more relevant today?
If you anti-Christian boneheads don't care, then don't read. Go read the sports page or the celeb pages. For millions, THIS is the biggest thing happening right now. Go drag your hate somewhere else.
Not Feeble In Any Way? Being 76 yrs old comes with inherent feeble-ness and then he only has one lung to boot. I'll give him 5 yrs tops and he'll catch pneumonia or the flu and become papal history.
I honestly don't know what the hype is about a latin pope. The guy's a human being. Celebrating a pope based on race seems a bit disturbing. Heck if the new pope was of african descent(like me), I wouldn't be jumping up and down as well hollering, I would remain like I am everyday.
@rbjk0174s, your words "Oh, you ignorant git", " huh? Moron", "What does an inbred like yourself","If you anti-Christian boneheads " and then you have the audacity to type," Go drag your hate somewhere else". Your whole post is just about the most "anti-Christian" on this comment board! FAIL!!!
@Roc Watts.....
DAMN GOOD POINT!!! I'm in agreement!
I was hoping for Pope Miley Cyrus.
Hey, this is great for the U.S. too. Now maybe the Mexicans will all try sneaking into Italy!
I am an atheist and yet I think all this coverage is fine and wonderful... I agree with you rbjk0174s on every point. I say live and let live to all those complaining about the coverage. Anyway soon enough it will subside and then you can get back to the death, destruction, pop culture fluff and titillation you so love.
@the egret.....LMAO! That sh!t was FUNNY!!! Thanks for my laugh of the day!!!!!
He worked with the miltary dictaorship in Argentina many years ago!
And?
This one is no different than the last one then.
Hmm...
I would rather read about this than the stupid Jodi Arias case, folks being shot up or any other Kardashian, Jessica simpson oow baby story.
I am very happy we have a new beginning! May God Bless You with strength, faith and Love. May God Lead him and Bless him always!
Rhode Island USA
Is the name chosen for St Francis of Assisi or Xavier?
One of the consulting bishops said that the Pontif made a statement when he chose Francis--a man who renounced his wealth and became the patron of animals and the environment. That's St. Francis of Assisi. I told my wife this pope would chose a new name!
St Francis of Assisi saw a vision to renew and build the church.... I think thats what Catholicism needs right now or it wont last
No Jesuit in their right mind would be named after a Franciscan ;-)
I think in time we'll see he is honoring Francis Xavier- co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and student of Ignatius of Loyola. Perhaps he won't say..and thus gets the benefit of both namesakes.
Oh I thought he named himself after Francis the talking mule.
I think he might have named himself after saint Frank Sinatra? The most famous Francis ever.
Breaking News: Cardinals elect a new homophobic misogynist as pope. Nobody could see that coming....
Reno,
I don't need artificial stimuli to feel like a man, I am one. You figured that out even though I have a sex-neutral profile name.
It would take millenia of 'religious persecution' to catch up with the Catholic Church in that arena - starting with the lions in the arena. The harm done to the poor, women, and gays by the CC is incalcuable and I'm comfortable accurately calling their leader a misogynistic homopobe. Facts are facts.
Peace out,
John
Although I was raised Catholic and I'm Argentine, I don't always agree with the church, especially on issues of gays and women's rights. But I do welcome this new Pope as he is a champion of the poor which will make Republicans' heads explode! Can't wait!
Nothing like a false generalization to support a complete bias. I'm comfortable accurately calling you a bigot. Facts are facts.
SaneAlaskan... good point, if this leader truly is guilty of that. But we shall see. Perhaps he does a complete overhaul. The man lived in an apartment and cooked his own meals as a cardinal. These guys get waited on hand and foot and he lives like a regular joe....
lets give him a chance before we PRE JUDGE... isnt that what you are calling for on gays and woman? be 'a man' like you state above and start by being the better one
Pink
I am a CONSERVATIVE and a Catholic, funny but my head is not exploding.
Hey Reno911...
Anytime a crack is made about pontificating religious figureheads promoting their own version of hate across the world - Their adherents (You) have to come out of the woodwork to scream "Persecution". Get a clue, read some history.
People who are against religion (atheists, secularists, agnostics, etc...) have NEVER had much power against the organized hate-machine of religion. When it's time to crank up some persecution, it's usually at the hands of one religious group against another religious group.
(yeah, yeah, yeah... Mother Russia systematically persecuted the religious folks during its heyday of communism. Mother Russia was persecuting everyone who wasn't following Stalin's orders).
So, don't go trotting out the "Help - We're being Religiously Persecuted" banner just yet. Us Atheists, Agnostics, and Secularists simply don't have the numbers yet to be very effective as mass persecutions of the religiously feeble-minded. Yet. Your numbers are dwindling finally, and our numbers are beginning to rise. Be patient. In time. In time...
St Francis of Assisi, The new Pope said
Thanks. I didn't see that in the transcript. Do you know for sure? I'm curious.
DCChic - St.Francis of Assisi not Xavier - St. Francis of Assisi is Patron Saint of the Earth, the poor, and animals; St. Francis Xavier is the Patron Saint of Foreign Missions. And if you actually listened to reports and of Pope Francis' life when he was a Cardinal, you would understand why he chose St. Francis of Assisi to emulate.
Jeanmarie:
"St Francis of Assisi, the new Pope said."---but the new Pope is a Jesuit---he was probably practising "economy of truth", and really means both St Francis of Assisi AND St Francis Xavier.
bullsxxt as usual
Warning...Godless liberal above.
Jay - You say that like it's a bad thing.
YES, it IS a bad thing. I guess you libs are too dense to see it.
.... I hope he starts preaching the real Gospel and not these old fables and traditions like all of the others did.
Hopefully he's a kick ass, take names kind of Jesuit.
Jesuits are the soldiers of the Catholics... perhaps they need this kind of 'kick ass' reform
I am not Catholic but I really like the new Pope already. With tears in my eyes, I prayed for him when Pope Francis asked us to. I think it is a marvelous thing for a leader to be humble and ask for support. As he said, may a pitying God bless us and this journey!
So happy with the choice of Cardinal Bergoglio and the choice of Frnacis, its a great day to be Catholic! For you negative Nancy's trying to rain on our parade continue to try your negative comments will not dampen our spirit or belief.
I thought they were going YOUNGER?
Thats just what the "EXPERTS" thought.
Agreed, somewhat strange it is a 76 year-old with one lung. About the same age as Benedict was when he was elected, which, at the time, was seen to be likely a short-term papacy. So, I guess that applies again?
Okay, we'll have a non-European, but only for a short while?
Bergoglio was reputedly the runner-up in 2005, but why not Scherer from Brazil who's only 63?
Well, the Holy Spirit has spoken, God bless Bergoglio and viva el pape!
The media has NO idea what they're talking about.
His age doesn't matter, what matters is his character and wisdom. He will do what he can with the time he is given. I wish him good luck and God bless him.
Very clever. If you choose people in their 70's, no need for term limits, nature takes its course.
I hope he does right by the world we all have to share with them. Not harbor the kind of filth that leads people to turn from G*D.
I was so thrilled to watch the new Pope emerge and come out on the balcony. He seems like such a humble man. He asked for prayers from the people. I think he will be so good for Catholics every where. God bless him.
May the Lord guide, and bless the new Pontiff.
The douchebags that try to bash the Catholics are rather amusing. Especially since the people that are actually happy about this can give a rats ass about what you think. So go back to your miserable lives and be angry at the world @!$%#s.
To all you Catholics, I am genuinely happy for you. :-)
It’s so pathetic in this day and age, so many people are still so weak and delusional with all this religious nonsense. Sad... very sad
its really weak and sad that people are arrogant to tell people how they should live.... you're right, very sad
You're right Jayfos - that's exactly what you religious types do every day. Take a look at the laws that are being presented, and often passed, if you disagree. Be as religious as you like, but don't push your religion on the many of us who eschew it.
so ignorant, blueswoman. angry much? where does it say Im religious or for pushing religion on people... in fact if you could read, you'd see im for not pushing anything on anyone.
It it really comforting to learn that the new Pope is not feeble.... Who would have expected that??
There's always that question when you appoint someone that old. Buy, hey, we lived through Ronald Reagan when he was in his 70s. He certainly wasn't feeble, right? ;-)
BlackMan#1
That will never happen. The new pope will not be preaching the real Gospel. The Popes' see them self as representatives of God and infallible. They also think they have the right to change God's laws to "benefit" their church and their followers at their will. That is why they are the false church ( the mother whore according to the Bible) they do not follow God's word. The Catholic Church has a history of doing that since the beginning of Christianity, starting with changing the Sabbath to Sundays instead of Saturdays (the 7th day of the week). The Catholic church doesn't use the Bible for Mass and they produce their own books for Mass...the people have been lied to for centuries. People need to wise up and read the history of Christianity.
This post is meant for believers of God and the Bible not for non-believers .
This post is meant for anybody who would like to post.
Wow - Where to start? The Mass reads thru the entire bible on a 3 year cycle. Every Mass reads from Psalms, the old testament and the new testament. Every day, every Sunday. The pope is NOT infallible - if you actually read the papal documents about this subject, you would understand that.
MaggieInChitown
- You Got That Right !!!
I agree - people absolutely should wise up and read the history of xtianity. They will then realize that it is ALL just a big lie.
MaggieInChitown...CuriousOne-1349700...BluesWoman...you all got it wrong, you all are no roman catholics, but rolling trollies on the loose, telling the 1.2 billion roman catholics to wise up are the team of these merchants of foolishness, as if these 3 clowns roman catholic bashers are wannabe experts of the roman catholic religion.
Pleasing to learn from New York's Arch Bishop Emeritus that the new pope is not feeble. Who would have guessed?
I personally like non-feeble popes better than the feeble ones. Don't you?
(What a moronic headline...)
R.
Also, for all who think the Catholic church is so great, you should watch the movie "The Mission".
Charlie
I wish non catholics and non religious people realize Catholics are not ignorant to the churches transgressions. Like they walk around and say 'what...the church did what?'. I wish people like yourself would be happy that there are Catholics that are calling for reform and asking for it to finally take accountability for its action and lead. But no.... just more bashing. There are good Catholics that do good things. unlike those on here think, they dont defend pedaphiles and their have children of their own. You have sinned yourself but people dont ask your family to leave you. They dont because they believe in you. Well so do these people believe....
As a Catholic (lapsed) I am so...... underwhelmed.
As soon as I saw the word conservative.... sigh it was like watching a repeat of last season.
Pope = SATAN in SHEEPS CLOTHING!!!
Who can argue with God's Will? I feel awkward thinking whether it is good or bad choice. Why are you asking any of us? I am happy.
Ah, at last! How wonderful for the Church to be honored with such a humble person to lead our Church. I am hoping the negative events that have been going on for a few years will be brought to a close and NO ONE else is discovered with inapproriate conduct that embrasses the Church.
I also hope that our GOVERNMENT IN WASHINGTON will take note on HOW to make decisions ina timely manner. By the way, gentlement,:"How is the budget from 4 years ago coming along"? Think it will take another 4 years to solve it? Good example from Rome..please take it to heart.
I expect to see inappropriate conduct in the church over the next few month it is so embedded it will never be clean.
Inappropriate? do you mean criminal????
Pirate Dave...get your facts of embedded, instead of your zero proof blabbing against the roman catholic church.