The Catholic Church has a new pope. Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Wednesday. He is the first ever pontiff from the Americas.The Cardinals made their selection shortly after 2 p.m Eastern Standard Time Wednesday when white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the 115 cardinals in the papal conclave have elected a new leader for the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
Bergoglio has chosen the name Pope Francis. He appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after a church official announces ``Habemus Papum'', ``We have a pope',' and gave the name of the new pontiff in Latin.
WBFO News will be bringing you local reaction throughout the afternoon on our local edition of All Things Considered and Thursday on Morning Edition.