Francis’ Papacy marks a series of firsts. His very election at the helm of the Catholic Church, one week ago, came as a surprise, because the man formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was not one of the most likely to get the office. A novelty was also the name taken by the leader of 1.2 billion Catholic believers from around the world.

His choice was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who in the 13th Century tried to rebuild a divided Church, fought for peace at the time of the Crusades and for the protection of nature. Francis is the first Jesuit Pope and the first Latin American to hold this post. He succeeds Pope Benedict the 16th, who stepped down in February for health-related reasons. Pope Francis once again charmed the pilgrims attending the ceremony in St. Peter’s Square. With a warm smile, he greeted the crowds, then came out of his Popemobile and walked among the pilgrims.

In his homily, which pointed to the guidelines of the new Papacy, Francis emphasised how important it was for the Church to be in the service of the people, and pleaded for more attention to the poor, the weak, the elderly and those who “are often the last we think about.” He called on political and economic leaders to no longer allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world. Representing Romania at the Inauguration Mass were President Traian Basescu and Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean.

After the ceremony, the head of the Romanian state and Pope Francis shook hands and exchanged a few words. The President congratulated the new Pope on behalf of the Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic and Orthodox believers in Romania and wished him good luck in his mission. Pope Francis asked President Basescu to pray for him and for the success of his Pontificate.