Mastodon

RNS POPE INSTALLATION

In a dramatic ending to the outdoor Mass that officially launched his papal reign, Pope Benedict XVI drove through St. Peter's Square standing in an open-topped jeep, a visual contrast to the bullet-proof ``popemobile'' that his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, used after being targeted by an assassin in 1981. A slight figure in gold brocade vestments and mitre, Benedict XVI gave his blessing as church bells rang, the music of Bach resounded from an organ inside St. Peter's Basilica and pilgrims cheered and waved flags. Photo by Grzegorz Galazka.

pope benedict XVI

(RNS10-APR24) In a dramatic ending to the outdoor Mass that officially launched his papal reign, Pope Benedict XVI drove through St. Peter’s Square standing in an open-topped jeep, a visual contrast to the bullet-proof “popemobile” that his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, used after being targeted by an assassin in 1981. A slight figure in gold brocade vestments and mitre, Benedict XVI gave his blessing as church bells rang, the music of Bach resounded from an organ inside St. Peter’s Basilica and pilgrims cheered and waved flags. See RNS-POPE-INSTALLATION, transmited April 24, 2005. Photo by Grzegorz Galazka.

Explore More in:
No paywalls here. Thanks to you.
As an independent nonprofit, RNS believes everyone should have access to coverage of religion that is fair, thoughtful and inclusive. That's why you will never hit a paywall on our site; you can read all the stories and columns you want, free of charge (and we hope you read a lot of them!)

But, of course, producing this journalism carries a high cost, to support the reporters, editors, columnists, and the behind-the-scenes staff that keep this site up and running. That's why we ask that if you can, you consider becoming one of our donors. Any amount helps, and because we're a nonprofit, all of it goes to support our mission: To produce thoughtful, factual coverage of religion that helps you better understand the world. Thank you for reading and supporting RNS.
Deborah Caldwell, CEO and Publisher
Donate today