Pope:anniversary of solemn liturgical rite of inauguration to Petrine ministry

Exactly seven years ago , on the 24th of April , Benedict XVI was back in Saint Peter's Square less than a week after appearing on the central balcony of the Basilica on the day of his election as 264th Successor of Peter.

It was a glorious Spring day and he was there to celebrate the solemn liturgical rite of inauguration of his Petrine ministry

St Peter's square echoed with the applause of the thousands of faithful gathered around him waving their multicoloured banners. Applauding too were the world leaders and authorities present.

Christians and non-Christians alike , all were eager to witness the rite in which the Successor of Peter receives the two liturgical symbols of his Petrine ministry : the fisherman's ring , a gold signet ring depicting Saint Peter in his fisherman's boat , and the pallium.

Two symbols laid out over the tomb of Saint Peter overnight as a sign of continuity of the papacy. A tomb where Benedict XVI had gone to pray privately in a sign of fidelity , prior to processing towards the square for this inauguration mass.

The placing of the pallium on the Pope's shoulders represented the culminating moment of the occasion...

Listen as Veronica Scarisbrick steps back in time to that date bringing you the sound of his voice on that occasion: