(Latin for “We have a pope!”)
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, 78, has been chosen as the new pope, and has taken the name of Benedict XVI. When I arrived home at about noon, Fox News was covering the chimney from which white smoke was billowing. About ten minutes later, the bells tolled, signaling that a new pope had been selected. A cardinal deacon (from Chile) came out with the announcement, and Pope Benedict XVI stepped out onto the balcony to greet the cheering crowd.
Ratzinger was one of the closest aides to John Paul II, and is considered to be very traditional. The name Benedict means "Blessed One." The previous pope with the name Benedict (Benedict XV) was chosen in 1914.
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