76-year old Archbishop of Buenos Aires New Pope!

It was shortly after 1PM (Murfreesboro time), but early evening at the Vatican, when white smoke was seen and roar of cheers arose from the thousands of people awaiting the signal.

Pope Francis

ABC News reports that white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel Wednesday (3/13/2013) and the 76-year old archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio, was chosen as the new pope of the Catholic Church. 

Bergoglio has chosen the name Pope Francis. He is the first ever selected for this position from the Americas, and the first from outside of Europe in more than a millennium. The new pope has spent most of his life in Argentina. 

Excitement In The Rain

It was night and heavy rain was falling on the cheering crowds gathered in the courtyard outside St. Peter's Basilica where the bells were ringing.

The 115 cardinal electors began the conclave on Tuesday following the resignation of Benedict XVI, the first pontiff to resign in 600 years. At least a two-thirds majority -- 77 votes -- was required to elect Pope Francis as the church's 266th leader.