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 Italian Buddhist Union is a nonprofit organization in Rome that works to meet the increasing demand of Italians interested in Buddhism. The organization offers resources on the history and beliefs of Buddhism.

The Italian Hindu Union (Unione Induista Italia) is an organization located in Italy that works for the protection, coordination, practice and study of culture and Hindu religion.

The Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR) is an independent, non-denominational organization based in Italy that reproduces or quotes documents from the media and different sources on a number of religious issues. The website has a page with resources on New Religious Movements.