Sunday, April 24 2005 15:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vatican City: Tens of thousands of pilgrims today (Apr 24, 2005) joined religious and world leaders for Pope Benedict XVI's formal installation, a tradition-steeped ceremony that officially launched the pontificate of the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Wearing golden vestments and clutching his pastoral staff, Benedict began the ceremony by processing 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.

Priests bearing Benedict's Fisherman's Ring and the woollen shawl that he will wear -both symbols of his papal authority - led a procession of cardinals out of the basilica and onto the steps leading to the square, where tens of thousands of people gathered under a brilliant spring sun for the two-hour Mass.

The crowds applauded as Benedict, looking tired, emerged from the basilica to the chant of the Litany of Saints.

'Do not be afraid'

Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed the message of his predecessor John Paul II at his inauguration Mass, urging believers "do not be afraid."

Recalling the late Pontiff's words at his own 1978 inauguration, the Pope said by trusting in God, "we lose nothing, absolutely nothing, of what makes life free, beautiful and great."

There were fewer people than the three million who flocked to Rome for the funeral of Benedict's predecessor, Pope John Paul II, on April 8, but the square filled up and overflowed onto the Via della Concilazione leading to it. Many people toted banners and flags - including from Benedict's native Germany - even as they kept John Paul in the back of their minds.

Along with an estimated 100,000 pilgrims from the Pope's native Germany, political and ceremonial dignitaries on the list of those attending included German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the US President's brother.