Vatican prepares to inaugurate Benedict

POPE Benedict XVI held his first working meeting with the College of Cardinals yesterday as authorities began gearing up for the influx of dignitaries and 500,000 faithful expected for the Pope’s inauguration tomorrow.

Italian civil protection officials estimate about 100,000 people from Benedict's native Germany will travel to Rome for the ceremony and Rome was bringing in volunteers from Italy's German-speaking north to help. Monday is a national holiday, and Italians are expected to converge on the Eternal City to take advantage of the long weekend.

A day after confirming the entire Vatican hierarchy in a seamless transition of Church leadership, Benedict met the College of Cardinals for the first working session, taking time to greet each cardinal and exchange a few words.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican's number two official, made introductory remarks inside the marbled and frescoed Sala Clementina of the Apostolic Palace as Benedict, dressed in white and sitting on a gilded throne, listened and smiled. The other cardinals sat around him, applauding as Cardinal Sodano and Benedict embraced.

Sitting in the hall where Pope John Paul II lay in state following his April 2 death, Benedict thanked the cardinals for their support and faith in electing him the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

"It's an act of faith that constitutes encouragement as I undertake this new mission with more serenity, because I am able to count on your generous collaboration in addition to the indispensable help of God," he said.

After his remarks, cardinals lined up to greet him and kneel before him as he sat in his chair. Benedict stood to embrace elderly cardinals who have trouble walking, including American Cardinal William Baum, as well as Polish Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur, who uses a wheelchair.

In his three days as Pope, Benedict has been trying to ensure continuity in Church leadership while brightening his austere image.

On Thursday, he greeted the faithful on the streets, waving and smiling at crowds gathered along the short stretch between the Vatican gates and his old apartment, where he spent some time in the afternoon.

"Viva il papa!" some shouted.

Italian civil protection chief Guido Bertolaso told reporters that the Pope likely would mingle with the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square. On his installation day, John Paul walked up to the barrier holding back the faithful, greeting them and kissing babies handed to him.

During the Mass, Benedict will be given his Fisherman's Ring as well as the pallium a narrow stole of white wool embroidered with six black silk crosses which symbolises his pastoral authority.

The Mass is expected to draw world leaders, including German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, as well as religious leaders, including Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

Mr Bertolaso said Rome was gearing up for about 500,000 people.