Pope Francis receives pallium, ring at start of inaugural mass

(Vatican Radio) Hundreds of thousands of people filled St Peter’s Square Tuesday morning, flowing out into the surrounding streets to participate in the outdoor Mass for the installation of Pope Francis. At the start of the liturgy, Pope Francis received a white wool pallium embroidered with red crosses, a symbol of the Good Shepherd. The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano then placed the papal fisherman’s ring upon the finger of the new pontiff. The ring, originally designed for Pope Paul VI but never worn by him, represents the figure of the fisherman and first pope, the Apostle Peter with the keys of papal authority.
Among those attending the Pope’s installation Mass are six sovereigns, and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez is among Latin American dignitaries. Representatives from Europe, Africa, and Asia have also flown in to Rome for the celebrations.
Muslim, Jewish and Christian religious leaders are present as well as the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew from Istanbul.
Civil protection authorities have been on the streets since the early hours of Tuesday morning to direct the crowds and Italy’s Red Cross is on hand in the event of any incidents.
The world’s media, which had been covering the Conclave, are also out in force to cover this event and security is tight.