Security tight for new pope's open air mass

Security forces took up posts around the Vatican today and cleared streets for an expected 500,000 pilgrims arriving for the ceremony formally to install Pope Benedict XVI and offer the pontiff a major chance to set the tone for his papacy.

The open-air Mass in St Peter’s Square planned for tomorrow also gives other religious leaders an opportunity to assess any new directions in the Vatican.

Christian envoys expected at the ceremony cover a broad range: Orthodox clerics, Anglicans, mainstream Protestants and evangelical delegates such as members of the Rev Billy Graham’s association. The list suggests Christian congregations are cautiously extending a hand to Benedict despite lingering suspicions over his interest in closer ties.

In 2000, while serving as the Vatican’s chief overseer for doctrine, he issued “Dominus Iesus,” a document that upset non-Catholics by framing salvation from only a Catholic perspective. But on Wednesday – a day after his election as pope - Benedict promised to seek greater ties with all Christians and open “sincere dialogue” with other faiths.

But few top Islamic leaders are expected at the Mass. Jewish presence could be complicated by the week-long Passover holiday, which began today.

Political and ceremonial dignitaries planning to attend include German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the US president’s brother.

Rome’s second airport, Ciampino, was closed to commercial flights today to allow official delegations to arrive.

A no-fly zone will also be imposed within an five-mile radius from the Vatican for most of tomorrow. In a repetition of the security during John Paul II’s funeral on April 8, Italian forces will have anti-missile systems in place and warplanes on patrol alongside NATO surveillance aircraft.

For Benedict, the Mass will also bring him back to the steps of St Peter’s Basilica, where he gave a moving funeral homily for the late pope that could have helped sway fellow cardinals in his favour when it came to select the pope.

The pope’s funeral brought a sea of Polish flags. Benedict’s Mass – known as the Ceremony of Investiture – should be strongly flavoured by an estimated 100,000 German pilgrims honouring the first pope from their region in 1,000 years. Italian authorities predict up to 500,000 people filling St. Peter’s Square and surrounding streets.

The 78-year-old pontiff will have his biggest stage for messages or gestures to point the way for his papacy. Already, his relaxed manner and promises of openness have softened the rigid reputation he earned during 24 years as the Vatican’s guardian of doctrine.