Simplified inauguration for Pope Francis

Pope Francis officially began his papacy as the 266th pontiff today in an installation Mass simplified to suit his style, but still grand enough to draw princes, presidents, rabbis, muftis and thousands of ordinary people to St Peter’s Square to witness the inauguration of the first Pope from the New World.

Francis thrilled the crowd at the start of the Mass by taking a long drive about through the sun-drenched piazza and getting out of his vehicle to bless a disabled man.