New Pope Decided

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Created on Thursday, 14 March 2013 17:37

Written by Brian Stone

ST. JOHNSBURY - After just two days the Papal Conclave has elected Cardinal Jorge Bergolio as the next Pope Wednesday afternoon. Cardinal Bergolio, from Buenos Aires, Argentina will take the Papal name of Francis I as he starts his time as the new leader of the Catholic Church.

 The quick pace of conclave came as a surpise to many, including Father Luke Austin of St. John Evangelist Church  in St. Johnsbury. "The first vote is always to just kind of see who the contenders are because they do announce erytime that the vote is taken," said Austin, "I guess I was expecting at least another day." 

Not only was the speed at which the decision was made a surpise, but the decision of Bergolio himself was not seen coming by many after much speculation of an American Cardinal beign chosen. "When they announced the name Francis I thought it was going to be Cardinal Sean O'Malley, I had missed the name of the cardinal when they first announced it, but no he didn't seem to be one of the main names thrown around," added Austin.

Bergolio, who was voted in second during the last Papal Conclave, is 76 years old.