New Pope Francis, A First In Many Ways

Pope Francis I

First there was the much anticipated sign – the white smoke – then the bells of St. Peter’s rang out as if in that age-old chorus of “Glory To God in the highest!” In spite of it being a very cold and rainy day, still thousands gathered under umbrellas, or in rain coats at St Peter’s to catch a glimpse of history. The crowd erupted in cheers at about 7:00PM (Rome time) when white smoke was seen bellowing from what is arguably the most famous and important chimney in the world.  The white smoke from the Sistine Chapel indicated “Habemus Papam.” We have a Pope!  What a joyous time in the Church’s history that was!

But then the suspense continued.  Who is the new Pope?  Where is he from? Which one of those tipped to take up the Papacy was it?  Well those gathered and the world at large had to wait for about an hour or so thereafter to learn the identity of the new pope.  Surprise! Surprise! He was not any of the one tipped as favourites.  The 267th Successor of St. Peter was announced by the senior cardinal deacon: It is Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76,  the archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He is the first pope from Latin America.  It is also the first time a Jesuit priest has been elected to the Papacy.  It is also the first time the Successor to St. Peter has chosen the name Francis.

The crowds in St. Peter’s Square near right away began chanting “Francesco” as they await his arrival on the main balcony for his first “urbi et orbi” true blessing.

As he emerged onto the balcony, and the cheers erupted again, a couple very beautiful characteristics of the new Pope stood out; his confidence and his humility.  I was utterly amazed by the latter.

Pope Francis’ first moments as the 267th Successor of St. Peter were characterized by prayer. In his first public appearance at the central balcony of St. Peter’s at 8:22 local time (Rome), he gazed upon the applauding crowds for 2 minutes prior to calling out, “Good evening!”.

Throughout his 12 minutes on the balcony, he led the thousands gathered in praying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.  Then the beauty of Pope Francis I shone out.  It was time for him to give his first Papal blessing to the faithful gathered, but instead, he asked them to pray in the silence of their hearts for him and his new ministry.  There was silence in St. Peter’s as Pope Francis I bowed down as the thousands gathered on this historic occasion prayed for him.  Many were moved to tears.  After a few seconds, Pope Francis I gave his first apostolic blessing to all gathered and to the world..

Prior to leaving the balcony just after 8:30 local time, he informed the faithful he would see them again Sunday, at the praying of the midday Angelus.

Pope Francis I whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was ordained a Jesuit priest on Dec. 13, 1969, and in 2001, he was produced made cardinal by John Paul II in 2001.