AP photo
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Argentine Jorge Bergoglio has been elected pope, the first ever from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium. He chose the name Pope Francis.
After announcing "Habemus Papum" -- "We have a pope!" -- a cardinal standing on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday revealed the identity of the new pontiff, using his Latin name. Bergoglio had reportedly finished second in the 2005 conclave that produced Benedict XVI -- who last month became the first pope to resign in 600 years.
The 76-year-old archbishop of Buenos Aires has spent nearly his entire career at home in Argentina, overseeing churches and shoe-leather priests.
More: Argentine Jorge Bergoglio elected Pope Francis
PROVIDENCE BISHOP: 'SPRINGTIME IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH' Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Diocese of Providence, issues this statement: "With the election of Pope Francis I, God has raised up a wonderful new shepherd for the Catholic Church. This marks a new beginning for us, a time of joy and hope; it is springtime in the Catholic Church. I know that the Catholics of the Diocese of Providence join me in expressing our loyalty and love, and our prayerful support for Pope Francis I."
Updated March 13, 2013 3:40 PM