Pope Pays Hotel Bill in First Morning as Pontiff

Flowers for the Virgin Mary, half an hour of prayer and settling his hotel bill: Low-key Francis reschedules first morning as Pope.

Today, Argentinians celebrated on the streets of Buenos Aires as Jorge Mario Bergoglio was unveiled as Pope Francis I.

Pope Francis opened his first morning as pontiff by praying at Rome’s main basilica with leading priests. Then he showed the humility for which he is famous by shunning papal car and offering to pay his own hotel bill.

Later returned to Sistine Chapel where he was elected to celebrate Mass with all the cardinals.

The new Pope faces major challenges in overcoming Church crises such as sex scandals.