Thousands watch as Benedict's reign begins
Pope Benedict XVI officially launched his stewardship of the Roman Catholic Church today, presiding over a installation Mass that drew tens of thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries to St Peter’s Square.
Wearing golden vestments and clutching his pastoral staff, Benedict began the ceremony with a procession into the area under St Peter’s Basilica where St Peter is believed to be buried, paying homage to the first pope and blessing the tomb with incense as a choir chanted.
In one of the most symbolic moments, Benedict was given his Fisherman’s Ring and a woollen pallium or shawl – both symbols of his papal authority. The ring is emblazoned with an image of Peter casting his fishing nets and was traditionally used to seal apostolic letters.
The pallium – a narrow shawl of white lamb and sheep’s wool embroidered with five silk crosses – symbolises the Pope’s role as a shepherd taking care of his flock.
The pallium is pierced by three golden pins to symbolise the nails driven into the cross on which Christ was crucified, and the red colour of the crosses is for Christ’s blood.
The crowd applauded as Benedict, looking tired, received the symbols of his leadership of the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics, then raised his hands to greet them.
There were fewer people than the three million who flocked to Rome for the funeral of Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John Paul II, on April 8, but the square filled up and overflowed on to the Via della Concilazione leading to it. Many people toted banners and flags – including from Benedict’s native Germany – even as they kept John Paul in the back of their minds.
Along with an estimated 100,000 pilgrims from the pope’s native Germany, political and ceremonial dignitaries on the list of those attending included German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the US president’s brother.
Benedict’s brother, the Rev. Georg Ratzinger, had a prominent seat on the basilica esplanade.
Even before his official installation as pope, Benedict was framing a papacy meant to dispel his widespread image as the dour guardian of Roman Catholic doctrine, a post he held for 24 years under John Paul.
He has promised to seek greater ties with all Christians and open “sincere dialogue” with other faiths. Already, those pledges and his relaxed manner have softened the rigid reputation.
Italian Cardinal Tarcisco Bertone, in an interview Saturday on Telepace, described Benedict as a leader and inspirational figure in the mould of German soccer great Franz Beckenbauer, who became one of the world’s most revered athletes.
“The church has found its Beckenbauer,” Bertone said.
