Vatican City (AsiaNews) Card Joseph Ratzinger is the new Pope. The Holy Father, who took the name of Benedict XVI, appeared on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica to deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing before a crowd of about 100,000 people.
In his short speech he said:
"Dear brothers and sisters"
"After the Great John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.
"I find consolation in the fact that the Lord knows how to work with inadequate instruments and use them well, and [speaking to the crowd] I especially entrust myself to your prayers.
"In the joy of the Risen Lord, confident in His permanent help, we continue [in our task].
"The Lord shall help us, and Mary, His Most Holy Mother, is with us.
"Thank you!"
Senior Cardinal Deacon (the Cardinal Protodeacon) Medina Estevèz made the announcement, reading the ritual words: Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam. Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum Joseph sanctae romanae ecclesiae cardinalem Ratzinger, qui sibi nomen imposuit Benedicti XVI.
The Pope was elected on the fourth ballot after a day and half of conclave. For such a short election we have go back to Pius XII, who became Pontiff in 1939.