At about 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, a swirl of white smoke floated out of a smokestack on top of the Sistine Chapel indicating a new pope had been chosen to head the Catholic church.
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, 76, of Argentina was elected the 266th pope. He has chosen the name of Pope Francis, reported ABC7 News.
Bergoglio is the first pope who is from outside of Europe in the modern era, the first South American pope, and the third straight non-Italian pope, reported CLTV.
Last month, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papal office effective Feb. 28, citing his age and health concerns as the primary reason for leaving the position. He was the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.
Related:
Pope Benedict XVI to Resign From Papal Office
Is your church planning a mass for the new pope? Give us the details in the comments.