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Joseph Ratzinger elected new Pope

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VATICAN, April 20 (Online): Joseph Ratzinger from Germany was elected new Pope of Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday.

Billowing of white smoke from Sistine chapel chimney on Tuesday signalled that the 115 cardinals who had been meeting since Monday had finally elected the new head of Roman Catholic Church.

The sight of smoke emerging from the Sistine chapel exhilarated the faithful who had gathered in St. Peter's square to know as to who was going to head some 1.5 billion Catholics across the world.

The faithful were confused on Monday when they thought white smoke was pouring from Sistine Chapel's chimney however, the smoke turned grey and later it turned into thick black smoke.

But, on Tuesday evening there was no question of confusion over colour of smoke as white smoke continued emerging from the chimney which fired up the believers.

78 year old new pontiff would be called as Benedict XVI from now onwards. Ratzinger is said to have close intimacy with Pope John Paul II and it is likely that he would build on his predecessor's legacy.

Tens of thousands of people greeted the pontiff as he appeared in the balcony of St.Peter's basilica.

In his maiden address to the faithful Pope Joesph Ratzinger, Benedict XVI said that he needed their prayers for carrying out ministerial services. Later, he offered prayers.

Like his predecessor, celebrated Pope John Paul II, Pope Joseph Ratzinger was no less impressive in communicating through gestures as he drew huge applause and cheers from the crowds when he waved his hands to the crowds.

The cardinals who have elected the Pope were less than 80. It merits mentioning here that a Pontiff requires two third majority however, if the cardinals fail to elect Pope with two third majority then the Pope is elected with simple majority and that would have been with 58 votes.

Pope Joesph Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927 in Germany. The Pope can speak 18 languages. He has become 8th Pope from Germany.

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