Notre Dame president offers prayers for new pope

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The president of the University of Notre Dame says he and others at the school are praying for newly elected Pope Francis.

The Rev. John Jenkins says the university is rejoicing the selection of the first pontiff from the Americas. The school will hold a special Mass for the new pope 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on campus.

Jenkins says Pope Francis is known as a humble and holy servant of the church. He says the pope's simple life and concern for the poor make his choice as pope particularly appropriate.

The bells at the basilica rang in celebration Wednesday after white smoke began flowing from the Vatican chimney, signaling a new pope had been chosen.