VATICAN – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger from Germany has been elected the new pope choosing the name Benedict the 16th.
Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez appeared on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica to announce the election.
The new pope then appeared on the on the balcony to give his blessing to the thousands gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, the city of Rome and the world.
In addressing the crowd he described himself as a humble worker in the vinyard of the Lord and asked the faithful to remember him in their prayers.
The following is a translation of Ratzinger’s address:
“Dear brothers and sisters, after our great pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in God’s vineyard.
I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools, and I especially trust in your prayers.
In the joy of the resurrected Lord, trustful of his permanent help, we go ahead, sure that God will help, and Mary, his most beloved mother, stands on our side.
Thank you.”
