Pope`s Inaugural Mass | Video

Van Tieu | 3/19/2013

Pope Francis held his inaugural mass at St. Peter`s Basilica today, drawing crowds of tens of thousands. Since his election, the Argentine pontiff has shown the world his simple and informal style, garnering many fans, including Catholic leaders in Bismarck.

After a long procession to St. Peter`s Basilica, Pope Francis the first was adorned with the pallium, a wool scarf for the good shepard, and the fisherman`s ring, with a special image casted on it.

"It`s the image of St. Peter, the fisherman holding the keys Jesus gave to him so that he would be the one who would be ultimately responsible for the church," said Bishop David Kagan with the Bismarck Diocese.

Officially holding the powers of the papacy, Pope Francis gave his first sermon, delivering the message of St. Joseph.

"That not just the Pope, or not just the cardinals and bishops, but everyone has a duty to imitate St. Joseph as the protector of God`s creation as the protectors of others who are poor, who are sick, who are weak," Kagan said.

The new leader of the Catholic Church has won many hearts, including Bishop Kagan of Bismarck. He says he was moved by the sermon, and was quite impressed that the Pontiff was able to finish his mass in less than two hours.

"That`s an accomplishment," Kagan said.

But what really impressed Bishop Kagan was Pope Francis` show of character before the special mass when he stepped off his pope-mobile to bless followers, including a disabled man.

"He doesn`t do it just for the sake of doing something or for the show of it. This is who he is," Kagan said.

Bishop Kagan says he thinks Pope Francis is fulfilling his duty as the Holy Father by leading by example, and that the world will continue to see these moments of humility from Pope Francis.

One hundred thirty-two foreign delegations and 20 University of Mary students at the Rome Campus attended the special mass.

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