Catholics from across Argentina converged on Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires to participate in a night long vigil ending with live coverage of Pope Francis' installation Mass in Rome.
While activities took place throughout Buenos Aires, the main venue was the plaza in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral where jumbo screens were set up and Vatican and Argentine flags were waved by people who joyfully celebrated the beginning of their native sons papacy.
Comprised mainly of youths who braved the chilly weather, the crowd started gathering on Monday night about 8 p.m. local time. Entertainment was provided by music sensation Axel and the rock-and-roll priest.
The biggest surprise was when the newly elected pontiff surprised the demonstrators with a conference call at 3:35 a.m. (local time).
In his brief call, he called men and women of faith to pray for him and asked that they take care of each other and to care about life, family, nature, children and the elderly.
The former archbishop of Buenos Aires thanked the people in the plaza, calling them "dear sons."
"I know you are praying and I need those prayers a lot," he said.