Latin America reacts to Pope Francis I

Latin Americans reacted with joy, bursting into tears and cheers last night at news that an Argentine cardinal has become the first pope from the hemisphere.

“It’s incredible,” said Martha Ruiz, 60, who was weeping after learning that the cardinal she knew as Jorge Mario Bergoglio will now be Pope Francis I.

She said she had been in many meetings with the cardinal and said: “He is a man who transmits great serenity.”

Cars honked their horns as the news spread and television announcers screamed with elation and surprise.