Joyful Crowd Cheers on New Pope Benedict XVI
As trumpets blared, bells resounded, and flags from many nations waved, pilgrims and well wishers streamed into St. Peter’s square to herald the election Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He took the name Benedict XVI. The reaction of the onlookers was jubilant.
The crowd chanted “Benedict! Benedict!" according to the Associated Press.
As Pope Benedict XVI stepped out into the balcony, he smiled and clasped his hands together raising them toward the cheers of the thousands assembled. The crowd then briefly became quiet as he began to speak.
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"Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me - a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord," he said.
"The fact that the Lord can work and act even with insufficient means consoles me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers. I entrust myself to your prayers," the new pope said.
Those on hand roared with approval as he waved once again.
Even after the new pope retreated from view, those gathered remained, some signing and clapping in cadences. Several cardinals were also applauded as they stepped out into a balcony overlooking the square.
Earlier as white smoke and bells signaled announced that a decision had been reached, many in the crowd yelled, “Viva il Papa!” or “Long live the Pope!” according to the AP.
