Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, whose papal name is Pope Francis, becomes the 266th pope in the history of the Catholic Church. He is the first pontiff from the Americas, and succeeds Pope Benedict XVI, who announced his resignation last month, amid health concerns.
The New York State Catholic Conference represents New York’s bishops in matters of public policy. And Dennis Poust is its spokesman.
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan released a statement, congratulating the newly-elected pope, saying it marks a great milestone in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Dolan was part of the College of Cardinals electing the new pope.