Habemus Papam

"Dear brothers and sisters, after our great pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in God's vineyard.
I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools, and I especially trust in your prayers.
In the joy of the resurrected Lord, trustful of his permanent help, we go ahead, sure that God will help, and Mary, his most beloved mother, stands on our side.
Thank you."

-- Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger)


Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger chose the name Benedict XVI. He is the 265th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. He has been elected by the conclave of cardinals to succeed Pope John Paul II. He was elected after four ballots. At around 5:50pm (Vatican time) people at the St. Peter's Square when they saw smoke emerging from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel and heard the pealing of the bells which lasted for about 10 minutes.

Joseph Ratzinger just turned 78 last Saturday, 16 April. He is one of the oldest elected pope. He was ordained as priest on 29 June 1951. He is also the dean of the College of Cordinals since November 2002.