Habemvs Papam! Cardinal Bergoglio is Pope Francis!

After white smoke arose from the Sistine Chapel, the whole world awaited to see the new Supreme Pontiff. Cardinal Protodeacon Jean-Louis Tauran, gave the announcement: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus papam!" He continued to announce amidst cheers that the Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a Jesuit, has chosen the name Francis.

Pope Francis, appearing on the balcony of St. Peter's, then gave his message urbi et orbi. He prayed the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, together with the assembly, for his immediate predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Then, before he gave his Apostolic Blessing, his first as pope, he asked everyone to pray for God's blessing upon him. This was a touching request which everyone granted in a solemn silence.

Those who received his Apostolic Blessing, even through the media, receives a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions of Sacramental Confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the pope's intention.

The following prayer is also indulgenced. Let us continue praying for Pope Francis!

V. Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff Pope Francis.

R. The Lord preserve him and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. (partial indulgence)

Our Father. Hail Mary.

Let us pray.

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Pope Francis is the 266th Vicar of Christ.