Catholic World News News Feature

Ratzinger Elected Pope - Benedict XVI April 19, 2005

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected the 265th Pope, and taken the name Pope Benedict XVI.

The new Pope, who has frequently spoken of the need for a restoration of Christian faith in Europe, apparently chose his name in honor of St. Benedict, the patron of Europe, who founded the religious order that put the Christian stamp on European culture.

Cardinal Ratzinger, the former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was elected on Tuesday, April 19-- probably on the first ballot taken at the afternoon session of the conclave.

Smoke became visible, coming from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, shortly before noon. After a few minutes of uncertainty, as observers argued whether or not the smoke was truly white, the bells of the Vatican basilica began to toll, eliminating all doubt that the conclave had produced a new Pope.

Shortly after 6:30, Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, the ranking deacon of the College of Cardinals, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to deliver the heavily awaited announcement. After greeting "dear brothers and sisters" in several languages, he gave the traditional Latin formula:

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus papam Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Josefum, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Ratzinger, qui sibi nomen imposuit Benedicti XVI.

The crowd in St. Peter's Square-- which had quickly filled the square, and spilled out on the Via della Conziliazione after the white smoke was spotted-- interrupted his announcement with cheers, first after he said "Habemus papam and again after he gave the name "Ratzinger."

The new Pontiff then appeared, smiling and waving, to offer his first public words as Pope. "Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the Lord's vineyards."

Interrupted by applause, the new Pope eventually added: "I am consoled that the Lord can work and act with inadequate instruments, and especially that you will keep me in your prayers."

Again interrupted by cheers, the Pope concluded: "In the joy of the risen Lord, trusting in his permanent help, let us go forward. The Lord will help us, and Mary, his most holy Mother, is at our side."

Pope Benedict XVI then gave his first pontifical blessing, and after spending a few more moments to acknowledge the cheers of what had become a vast throng, retired inside the apostolic palace.