Habemus Papam! Jorge Bergoglio SJ becomes Pope Francis

Pope Francis
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As clouds of dusty white smoke wafted into the Roman air, I happened to be on the verge of attending a friend's book launch in Westminster Cathedral. It didn't take long, though, for the organisers to decide to delay the book launch, so as to allow guests an opportunity to find out the identity of the new Pope and witness history being made.

So, many of us unexpectedly gathered around a television set to watch and wait ... And, after what seemed to be an age and a day (actually about an hour), it was eventually announced to us that our new Pontiff was Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio -- who would, from now on, be known as Pope Francis. Our first Jesuit pope, and the first one from the Americas, as well as the first pontiff to bear the papal name 'Francis'. What a lot of firsts!

Then he appeared. He seemed to be a humble and simple man -- down to earth, fatherly, and kind. A new Pontificate -- which, it seems, might end up being quite different (in style, at least) to the last.

After a short speech by the Holy Father, we all got on our knees for the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which comes with a plenary indulgence and remission of venial sins for all those who meet the usual conditions, be they present in St Peter's Square itself or listening to it on the radio or watching it on the television.

Viva il Papa!