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Pope Francis Officially Begins His Papacy
http://www.africaeagle.com/2013/03/pope-francis-officially-begins-his.html
Pope Francis has officially begun his papacy following an inauguration mass in front of a packed-out crowd and delegates from around the world at the Vatican.
The pontiff was given the traditional fisherman's ring with the seal unique to his papacy.
Addressing an estimated 200,000 people, the first Latin-American Pope underlined his constant message since being elected by a secret conclave of cardinals last Wednesday: that the Church's mission was to defend the poor and disadvantaged.
During the mass, he issued a strong appeal for the protection of the environment and the defence of the weakest members of society.
He urged the world to shun "the omens of destruction and death".
"It means respecting each of God's creatures and respecting the environment in which we live," he said.
"It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about."
Before the mass got under way, Pope Francis - wearing his papal whites and standing in the middle of an open-topped vehicle - waved, smiled and gave the thumbs up to the ecstatic crowds.
Pope Francis, who was elected last Wednesday, stopped frequently to greet the crowd and kiss babies held up to him.
The former archbishop of Buenos Aires has already won hearts in Rome with a disarmingly informal style, which contrasts with today's pomp and ceremony.
Pope Francis was the surprise choice at a conclave of cardinals to find a successor to 85-year-old Benedict XVI, who last month brought a sudden end to his papacy that had often been overshadowed by scandal.
He was the first pope to resign since the Middle Ages.
Addressing an estimated 200,000 people, the first Latin-American Pope underlined his constant message since being elected by a secret conclave of cardinals last Wednesday: that the Church's mission was to defend the poor and disadvantaged.
During the mass, he issued a strong appeal for the protection of the environment and the defence of the weakest members of society.
He urged the world to shun "the omens of destruction and death".
"It means respecting each of God's creatures and respecting the environment in which we live," he said.
"It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about."
Before the mass got under way, Pope Francis - wearing his papal whites and standing in the middle of an open-topped vehicle - waved, smiled and gave the thumbs up to the ecstatic crowds.
Pope Francis, who was elected last Wednesday, stopped frequently to greet the crowd and kiss babies held up to him.
The former archbishop of Buenos Aires has already won hearts in Rome with a disarmingly informal style, which contrasts with today's pomp and ceremony.
Pope Francis was the surprise choice at a conclave of cardinals to find a successor to 85-year-old Benedict XVI, who last month brought a sudden end to his papacy that had often been overshadowed by scandal.
He was the first pope to resign since the Middle Ages.
