Choice of new Pope surprises many

The Archbishop of Bologna, Cardinal della Chiesa, was elected Pope yesterday on a third ballot of Cardinals in Conclave at the Vatican. The new Pope has chosen the name Benedict XV. He is the 260th occupant of the Chair of Peter and was only appointed a Cardinal four months ago. When he appeared on the balcony of the façade of St. Peter’s the new Pope was greeted with huge enthusiasm by the crowds gathered below.

The late Pope Pius X, whose last words were reported to have been: 'Restore everything in Christ.' (Image: Interessante Blatt, 3 Sept 1914, ANNO/Austrian National Library

Pope Benedict replaces Pope Pius X, who died on the 20 August.