Reuters said the new pontiff must deal with a divided church in the United States.

CNN reported an enthusiastic response from Latin America, and leaders of other faith groups in that region told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette they were pleased by Francis’ elevation and had had a good rapport with him during his time as a cardinal.

Religion News Service posted reactions from other religious and secular leaders. In a separate RNS story, Jewish leaders said they see an ally in Francis.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement calling the new pope “an inspired choice” whose election “marks a great milestone” for the church.

The Associated Press posted a video on YouTube of the white smoke that signaled a decision had been made.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Vatican tweeted the big news within minutes of Francis’ balcony appearance.

Read a March 13, 2013, New York Times article on the breaking-news account of Pope Francis’ election.

The World Jewish Congress is the international organization that represents Jewish communities and organizations in 100 countries around the world. It advocates on their behalf towards governments, parliaments, international organizations and other faiths.  

The World Union for Progressive Judaism is the international umbrella organization of the Reform, Liberal, Progressive and Reconstructionist movements, serving 1,200 congregations with 1.8 million members in more than 45 countries.