“Bless the World”: Pope Benedict XVI Installed as Pope

“Bless the world…”

On April 24, Pope Benedict XVI officially assumed the task of the 265th Pope of Roman Catholic Church after an inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Benedict finished the inaugural mass by blessing the world.

The inaugural mass took place, with around 500,000 people, including German President Horst Koehler, and political leaders, religious leaders and pilgrims from 140 countries.

Prior to the inaugural mass, Benedict visited the underground cemetery beneath St. Basilica where the remains of previous Popes are placed.

At the inaugural mass, Benedict appeared to try to restore the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church by wearing a “pallium,” standing for the authority of Pope (a mantle worn by bishops and higher-ranking priests on his ritual dress), for the first time in 1,000 years.

On April 23, Benedict XVI urged the press to do their utmost in pursuing the truth and protecting human dignity at a news conference attended by about 4,000 people involved in the press from around the world held at the Vatican.

Jin Lee leej@donga.com