By Alastair Jamieson and Claudio Lavanga, NBC News
The Latin American pope’s election shattered Europe's centuries-old grip on the papacy, and his choice of name — in honor of the 12th century saint from Assisi — is widely seen as a nod to a new era of simplicity.
Lombardi said Pope Francis declined the official papal car for his first journey from the Sistine Chapel, choosing instead to board a bus with cardinals who had just elected him.
Later, at dinner, the new pope prompted laughter by responding to their toast with the remark: "May god forgive you for what you have done."
Francis returned Thursday to the church-run hostel where he had stayed ahead of the conclave and insisted on paying the bill.
"He was concerned about giving a good example of what priests and bishops should do," a Vatican spokesman said. He did not disclose how much the bill totaled. Read more.
Story: Trading in the bus for a butler: The new pope's new lifestyle
Editor's note: NBC News received this photo on March 15
