Pope Francis begins first day as head of Catholic church – Miguel Marquez reports

Thousands of people were thrilled to see white smoke billow from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel yesterday. Then “the largest bell in the basilica signaled the election of a new pope,” Miguel Marquez reports.

The square quickly filled to capacity as the crowd gathered to witness the new pope greet the people. “Argentine Cardinal  Jorge Mario Bergoglio, becomes Pope Francis,” he introduced himself to the world.  “He asked the crowd to pray for his predecessor pope Benedict.  Then in a dramatic and touching moment, he asked for silent prayer.”