On that day: April 19, 2005

We dig into Vatican Radio’s Features archives to remember that historic day six years ago when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected in the conclave to become the 264^th successor of St. Peter.
Here’s one excerpt:
“Habemus Papam!”

"Protodeacon Jorge Medina Estevas appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s basilica at 6:42 to the cheers from tens of thousands of people gathered in the square. The first wisps of white smoke appeared from the chimney over the Sistine chapel just 2 minutes before 6:oo but any uncertainty about its colour was lifted at 6:05 when the bells of St. Peter’s rang out festively for all of Rome to hear…

The crowds roared when Cardinal Medina Estevas announced the Pope’s own name in Latin and then his chosen name, Pope Benedict the XVI.

Speaking in Italian, Pope Benedict XVI made his first address as the bishop of Rome.

“Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in the lord’s vineyard. I am comforted by the fact that the lord knows how to work and act even with insufficient instruments. And above all, I entrust myself to your prayers. With the joy of the risen Lord and confidence in his constant help, we will go forward. The Lord will help us and Mary his most holy mother will be alongside us.”

Pope Benedict XVI was elected in the first ballot of Tuesday’s afternoon session of the conclave – making it the fourth vote since the conclave opened Monday afternoon…"

Listen to Philippa Hitchen and Tracey McClure as they recount the election of Pope Benedict XVI on the Features programme of April 19, 2005: