The newly installed Bishop of Rome has called upon Christians and non-Christians alike to be "protectors" of the environment, the poor, and their families. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was formally installed as Pope Francis today (March 19, 2013). He is the 266th pope and the first one from Latin America, according to the Christian Post website.
The date for which Pope Francis was formally installed was the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As such, Francis focused on Joseph's role as protector for Jesus and Mary.
"How does Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly, and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand," said Pope Francis in his homily.
Over a million people gathered in Vatican City for the Mass -- held at St. Peter's Square -- including more than 130 government delegations and 30 Christian delegations. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople -- the head of the Orthodox Church -- was present, thus conveying a bona fide rapprochement for Christian unity, since this was the first time an ecumenical patriarch has attended the installation Mass of a Roman Catholic Pope since the Great Schism of 1054 split Christianity into the Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Greek Orthodox) Churches.
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