As trumpets blared, bells resounded, and flags from many nations waved, pilgrims and well wishers streamed into St. Peter's square to herald the election Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He took the name Benedict XVI. The reaction of the onlookers was jubilant.

The crowd chanted §Benedict! Benedict!" according to the Associated Press.

As Pope Benedict XVI stepped out into the balcony, he smiled and clasped his hands together raising them toward the cheers of the thousands assembled. He then gave his first papal blessing to the crowd, which was transmitted live on Vatican television.

Several cardinals overlooking the crowd were also applauded as they stepped out into a balcony overlooking the square.

Even after the new pope retreated from view, many in the crowd remained, some signing and clapping in cadences.

Earlier as white smoke and bells signaled announced that a decision had been reached, many in the crowd yelled, §Viva il Papa!¨ or §Long live the Pope!¨ according to the AP.

Francis Helguero

francis@christianpost.com