Bishop Joseph Ma Yinglin of Kunming led prayers for the new Pontiff at the unlawful Chinese ordination ceremony, praying particularly that the Pope could restore unity within the Church.

A priest of Kunming who concelebrated the Mass told UCANews the ordination had been planned several months ago for the solemnity of St Joseph.

"It was impossible to change the date because many relatives and friends have expected and prepared for this joyful occasion," the priest said.

"I hope the outside world would not misunderstand. We ordain priests simply for the need of the local Church."

However, UCANews said Bishop Ma's illegitimate status created confusion among some Church observers.

One such observer, who requested anonymity, said it was "strange" that the Beijing government would send a goodwill message to the new Pope while allowing Bishop Ma to proceed "at this important moment."

The observer called the Chinese ordination "a sacrilegious act which splits up the Church".

Some faithful saw Bishop Ma's act as confrontational.

"Is Ma signalling to the new Pope that he and the China Church would hold fast to the independent Church principle?" one of them said, wondering if the Holy See would excommunicate Bishop Ma, as he has repeatedly violated Church law.

The ordinations, of Yi-ethnic Father Paul Yue Bangshuang from Dali diocese and Jingpo-ethnic Father Joseph Bu Shuncai from Zhaotong apostolic prefecture, took place at a small church in Ruili city, on the border with Myanmar.

This is the third time Bishop Ma has ordained priests since 2006, when he was ordained as a bishop without papal mandate.

When he was ordained bishop, Rome published a strong statement against China's practice of "self-ordination" but did not declare any canonical sanctions against Bishop Ma.

Source:

UCANews

Image: UCANews

Before Mass, Pope Francis toured St. Peter's Square unprotected in a simple open white jeep, stopping frequently to greet those in the sprawling square, kissing babies and getting out at one point to bless a disabled person.

The Mass, on the Feast of St Joseph, the protector and universal patron of the Church, was a simple yet ornate ceremony lasting only two hours.

During his homily, Francis called for the protection of the weakest in society and of the environment saying that the Church's mission was to defend the poor and disadvantaged.

The Church's mission "means respecting each of God's creatures and respecting the environment in which we live. It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about", he said.

Francis made it clear that being a "protector", however, is not just something involving Christians as it has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone.

Addressing the world, Pope Francis called on all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill, to be protectors of creation.

The pope said being a protector "means caring for one another in our families: husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves, in time, protect their parents. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness."

"Only those who serve with love are able to protect," he said

As he began his ministry as universal shepherd, Pope Francis reminded us of the need to bring hope to others and that authentic power is service, inspired by the lowly, the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison.

Pope Francis wore simple plain white vestments, trimmed with gold and brown, along with his now customary black shoes.

Before the Mass, Francis collected his newly minted gold ring and pallium, a liturgical woolen band worn around the neck, that had been placed overnight on the tomb of St Peter under the basilica's altar.

Pope Francis' installation Mass, formally installs Francis as the new leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

Sources

• The Guardian
• Reuters
• The Washington Times
• Image: Rome Reports

At 10pm the streets were blocked and cafes and restaurants were closed, leaving just security personnel, who shared food and coffee with a handful of pilgrims sitting on the cobblestones.

Early in the morning, and not to be outdone, a larger crowd of about a hundred nuns from all over the world, formed at the first barrier. Later thousands moved up behind them.

When the gates finally opened, all were told to "be calm" by security as the crowd rushed through the metal detectors into an empty St Peter's Square.

The Mass was preceded by another warm interaction between the newly elected Argentinian pope, who blessed pilgrims while on the pope mobile.

The two hour Mass went as planned in the mid-morning sun, with the Pope Francis again stressing the need to protect the poor and also care for the environment .

Informally, many are already beginning to comment on the sharp contrasting styles between Francis and his predecessor Benedict, an intellectual heavyweight, who sometimes lacked the softer skills.

Soon after Communion, the pilgrims waved goodbye, shouting out "Viva Papa", many staying in the square to wave their respected flags, pray and even dance.

- Chris Hooton is a New Zealander travelling in Europe. He recalls his experience being at Pope Francis inauguration.