Pope Francis greets pilgrims ahead of inaugural Mass
- 11 years ago
Pope Francis makes his way through a crowd of thousands of pilgrims, to celebrate his inaugural mass.
The new pope's outgoing nature and sense of humour differ notably from the much more formal Benedict, who last month became the first pope in 600 years to resign.
In another sign of the informality, Francis abandoned the bullet-proof popemobile frequently used by his predecessor.
Vatican-watchers expect Pope Francis to send further signals of change by using a simpler liturgy than the retired Benedict, who preferred a more Baroque style.
Up to one million people are expected to join the celebration in St. Peter's square, including religious and political leaders from around the world.
Maureen Ferguson, a senior policy advisor to the Catholic Association of America, said she was very positive about the new papacy.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR, THE CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION, MAUREEN FERGUSON, SAYING:
"I think Pope Francis is going to be
The new pope's outgoing nature and sense of humour differ notably from the much more formal Benedict, who last month became the first pope in 600 years to resign.
In another sign of the informality, Francis abandoned the bullet-proof popemobile frequently used by his predecessor.
Vatican-watchers expect Pope Francis to send further signals of change by using a simpler liturgy than the retired Benedict, who preferred a more Baroque style.
Up to one million people are expected to join the celebration in St. Peter's square, including religious and political leaders from around the world.
Maureen Ferguson, a senior policy advisor to the Catholic Association of America, said she was very positive about the new papacy.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR, THE CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION, MAUREEN FERGUSON, SAYING:
"I think Pope Francis is going to be