"Pope Francis" the 266th Pope

News: Mr John Menezes, Moodbidri

Mar. 14: The Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, former archbishop of Buenos Aires, was announced as the 266th  pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013 at the Vatican. He will be known as Pope Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi.

"It seems to me that my brother cardinals have chosen one from far away, but here I am," said Pope Francis, the first pope from South America. "I would like to thank you for your embrace."

He is the first pope born in the Americas. He was born Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires. He is known for his humility, reportedly forsaking a large house to live in a small apartment, cooking his own meals and taking public transportation.