Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - At 5.50pm white smoke poured from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel and the bells of St Peter’s rang out to announce the news of the election of the new Pope to thousands gathered in St Peter’s square and those all over the world connected by television and radio. The new successor of Saint Peter is Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger dean of the College of Cardinals who has taken the name Benedict 16th . The announcement was made by the Protodeacon Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez.
When Pope Benedict XVI came to the balcony of St Peter’s at 6.48pm to give his blessing Urbi et Orbi he was greeted with loud and prolonged applause. Before giving his first blessing as Pope he said: “Dear Brothers and Sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the Lord Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord. I am comforted by the fact that the Lord knows how to act, even with inadequate instruments and above all I entrust myself to your prayers. In the joy of the Risen Lord, trusting in His permanent help, as we go forward the Lord will help us, and His Mother, Mary Most Holy, is on our side. Thank you.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 19/4/2005)
