Summary
Pope Benedict XVI officially launched his stewardship of the Roman Catholic Church yesterday, presiding over an 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 - 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.See the full content of this document
Extract
Pope Benedict Takes the Helm with a Stately Tribute
The crowd applauded as Benedict, looking tired, received the symbols of his leadership of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics, the...
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