Joseph Ratzinger of Germany has been selected by Roman Catholic Cardinals as the new Pope and successor to Pope John Paul II. Shortly after white smoke and Vatican bells were witnessed by the faithful that had gathered in St Peter’s Square, Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez of Chile made the joyful announcement to the crowds below.

Ratzinger also was announced and introduced as Pope Benedict XVI, as he appeared on the balcony of the Vatican Basilica to be presented to the tens of thousands that had quickly gathered below. He greeted the pilgrims and gave his first papal blessing.

"Dear brothers and sisters, the great pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me to work in the vineyard of the Lord," according to a translation of remarks he made in Italian. "I am consoled by the fact that I entrust myself to your prayers."

Ratzinger had served for 20 years as John Paul II's chief theological adviser. In the Vatican, he is known as being one of the driving forces behind crackdowns on liberation theology, religious pluralism, challenges to traditionally accepted teachings on issues such as homosexuality, and dissent on such issues as women's ordination.

He was the dean of the College of Cardinals since November 2002, and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Paul VI in June 1977.

Earlier at about 5.50pm (4.50pm BST) crowds around the Vatican had clapped and cheered with joy as white smoke was shown from the Sistine Chapel chimney, and this was immediately followed by bells – the confirmation that the Cardinals had reached a decision.

It took just four indecisive ballots by the Cardinals before the forth provided the required two-thirds majority for Ratzinger.

Just before lunchtime Tuesday, at about 11.50am (10.50 BST) the Cardinals’ morning ballots were burned, and chemicals ensured that a clear black signal was given.

The bells this year were decreed by Pope John Paul II whilst he was pontiff to avoid a repeat of the confusion caused by unclear smoke signals when he was elected in 1978.