Pope Benedict XVI makes his first public appearance

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been chosen as the new Pope.

The new pontiff was elected on the fourth ballot of the 115 cardinals, meeting in conclave in Vatican City.

The 78-year-old German pontiff has taken the name of Pope Benedict XVI.

In his first words, he paid tribute to Pope John Paul II.

The new pontiff also described himself as a "simple, humble worker of the Lord". "Above all, I trust in your prayers," he told the crowd of thousands assembled in St Peter's Square.

Bells ring

At just after 5.00pm UK time the bells of St Peter's rang to confirm that the 115 cardinals have made their choice.

Shortly before, and earlier than many experts had expected, a trail of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel gave the first indication that a successor to Pope John Paul II had been chosen.

Cardinal Ratzinger is seen as a conservative choice and is said to have been very close to his predecessor in the papacy.

Having been based in the Vatican in recent years, he was nicknamed "the pope's enforcer".

The decision is set to have a major impact on the future direction of the Catholic church, with his choice apparently signalling that the cardinals are not prepared to adopt a more liberal stance on issues such as the use of contraception.