Pope Francis I Greets Followers

The new pontiff, Pope Francis I, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, emerged Wednesday evening on to the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to address the thousands in the square.

The new pontiff appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in his white robes.

He thanked the crowd for their welcome and invited them to pray for his predecessor, Benedict XVI.

"I'd ask you to pray to God so that he can bless me," Pope Francis I said, leading a silent prayer, followed by a loud cheer from the crowd, the BBC News reported.

He then blessed the crowd, thanked them again for their welcome and wished them a good evening and a good rest, after which he left the balcony.

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