Then, praise be to the forethought of John Paul II, the great bell began to swing. Even before the clapper struck the massive bell, the crowd was electric, alive, joyous. The square echoed with their cries, as the bell tolled, the message picked up by the other bells of the city and church. The new Pope has been selected. People of Rome stream into the square, filled to capacity, waiting, eyes locked on the crimson curtained plateau upon which the announcement shall be made and the man may be greet the world.

Who is it? What name shall he select? Is he moderate? Is he conservative? Will he be worldly like John Paul II?

The cardinals have seemingly selected so quickly, it was only yesterday when we were watching as they gathered and took their solemn oaths before being sealed within the church to have their discussions. Did John Paul II align them to a candidate? He did appoint so many of them. Are the groups so close that they have been able to settle upon a candidate so easily. Was the forerunner so easily found? It seems so.

The people are phenomenal, so happy, exhilerated, before they even know who it is. And the fact that it is people from around the world truly makes it special to me. That as one they have joined, yet again, to wait and celebrate, welcoming the new Papa. There are so many flags, fluttering in the breeze, proudly proclaiming the representation of countless nations.

I haven't had this much anticipation about anything before. The crowd is infectious. I practically jumped out of my seat when I saw the bell start to move "It moved, it moved, they have selected!"

We keep waiting for Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez of Chile to come out and make the announcement as it has been done for time countless. The drapes keep fluttering, like someone is walking about the door inside the room, or perhaps sneaking peaks outside. They have to hear all these people from inside, they are so jubilant, like a professional team stadium. The bells have stopped, the crowd continues to wait.

The drapes are drawn, the door opens. The crimson curtains are pulled, we are waiting for the Cardinal. The crowd is going nuts!

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (78) of Germany has become the new Pope, Pope Benedict XVI. The crowd is still going nuts!

Now the guard is bringing out a papal banner and draping it from the balcony. The Cardinals watch on from their balcony, waiting. And he emerges, the crowd's voices grow like thunder, he stands, waiving, smiling.

DElivering his message of welcome, of thanks to John Paul II, and the other cardinals for their faith in him, in selecting him. The crowd chants his name, and he seems somewhat taken aback by it (not suprising considering the number of people there are). The prayer begins, the crowd silences, solemn, listening. The echoes of the prayers and the chants ring through the square. The "Amen" reverberating seemingly to the heavens, through the spirit.

We have a new Pope! Thank God.