Pope Benedict XVI Inaugural Mass to be Held on Sunday, April 23, 2005

By Joseph Leung

Up to 500,000 people along with state leaders from around the world are expected to attend the inaugural mass of Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter’s Basilica, said Walter Veltroni, Rome’s Mayor, on Thursday.

Starting time for the mass is 10:00 local time (09:00 BST), announced the Vatican on Tuesday. The 78-year-old former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany will be inaugurated as the Roman Catholic Church’s 265th pontiff. The name comes from the Latin word for "blessing".

From the UK, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will travel to Rome on Saturday, accompanied by the Rev Andrew Norman, Archbishop’s Secretary for International and Ecumenical Affairs, and the Rev Jonathan Jennings, the Archbishop’s Press Secretary.

The Archbishop has confirmed in a statement released today that he will be wearing the ring presented to his predecessor, Archbishop Michael Ramsey, by Pope Paul VI and a pectoral cross presented to him by Pope John Paul II.

Chinese State-approved and underground Catholics gave also expressed their joy in the birth of a new pope.

An estimated 700,000 other pilgrims are also expected to fill the surrounding streets near St Peter's Square to watch the ceremony on giant screens.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo

Top Stories