VATICAN
Inauguration Mass for Pope Francis, who was elected leader of the State of the Vatican City last week, was held in Vatican on Tuesday.
After Pope XVI. Benedictus resigned on 28th February, Francis was elected by a conclave of cardinals and started papacy after inauguration Mass marking the start of papacy.
Francis was presented with his papal pallium made of lambs' wool and he received the "fisherman's ring" bearing the image of St. Peter holding two keys.
-World leaders in Vatican for the new Pope-
A group of leaders attended Inauguration Mass of Pope Francis including Italian president Giorgio Napolitano, Italian PM Mario Monti, US Vice President Joe Biden, Argentinian President Cristina Kircner, and Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ represented Turkey.
Spiritual head of the Orthodox Church, Patriarch Bartholomew is the first Orthodox patriarch who has attended papal inauguration Mass since the two branches split nearly 1,000 years ago.
-Solid security measures-
Italian security forces took extra security measures for the Mass. Two police helicopters patrolled and snipers were placed on the roofs.
Although there was busy air traffic for the Mass, Rome's airfield was temporarily closed for flights.
