Vatican City - A new pope has been chosen and was revealed to the faithful Wednesday night. The new Pope is the 76 year old former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina and has chosen the name, Francis the First. Church Analysts are calling this selection 'surprising' and 'humbling'. Stay with Central Coast News on air, online and on mobile for the very latest.
At last count, the Cardinals took 5 votes over 2 days of the Conclave to reach the 77 Cardinal majority vote to reach the decision to elect the new Pope. To the roaring throng in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis the First said in his first comments as Pope to "pray for me, before I pray for you." Church analysts call this a sign of a humility, recognizing his individual limitations as he faces some of the most daunting tasks facing the Church as he begins his Papacy.
For the first time in over 2000 years the Church as chosen a Pope from the Americas. With over half a billion Catholics in the Americas, this is being called an exciting time in the Church.
Pope Francis is considered an orthodox Catholic or conservative in Catholicism. It was pointed out in Wednesday's coveraged that he only has one lung.
Pope Francis in his opening comments prior to praying for the people, he said that "as we begin this long road for the church, be faithful and let us pray for all people. We are a great brotherhood of man." He went onto say that "on this road of the Church, you will help me since we are a brotherhood." Pope Francis the First is the 266th Pope in Church history.
Stay with Central Coast New for the very latest. Online and on air and our Syncbak app that allows you to watch live TV on your Smart Phone. We'll have complete coverage on CBS46 at 5 and 6 and Fox35 tonight at 10pm.
