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New Pope's 1st Outing Among People Outside Vatican
Will Stay in Domus Sanctae Marthae for the Time Being
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 20, 2005 (Zenit.org).-
On the first full day of his pontificate, Benedict XVI left the Vatican walls
and walked among the people, to go to the residence where he lived before the
start of the conclave.
At 5 p.m., the Pope left by car through St. Anne's Gate to go to his former
residence.
Many people lined the Via di Porta Angelica in the brief journey the Holy Father
had to make, when he returned to the Vatican around 7 p.m. He was smiling and
relaxed, and greeted those present.
"I am extremely moved," said the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger with a broad
smile as he left his former home. Shortly after, he kissed some children,
greeted some people, and got into the car that took him back to the Vatican.
In the morning, "the Holy Father Benedict XVI visited the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith" -- over which he presided until John Paul II's death --
"where in a very cordial meeting, he greeted his men and women aides of the
dicastery," confirmed a statement by the director of the Vatican press office,
Joaquín Navarro Valls.
He was received by the secretary, Archbishop Angelo Amato, and members of the
dicastery.
In a festive atmosphere, the Holy Father spoke briefly, greeted all the staff
and explained the meaning of the choice of his name as Roman Pontiff, which is
inspired by Benedict XV's pontificate, a man of peace, and in the role carried
out by the co-patron of Europe, Benedict of Nursia.
Benedict XVI joked, recalling the words that Jesus said to his predecessor, the
Apostle Peter, "when you are old, someone else will fasten your belt and lead
you where you do not wish to go," causing laughter among those present.
The Holy Father then entered the papal apartment of the Apostolic Palace
removing the seals that closed it, according to the norms established for the
period of the vacant see, which just ended, reported the statement published by
Navarro Valls.
The chamberlain, Cardinal Eduardo Martínez Somalo; Cardinal Angelo Sodano,
former Vatican Secretary of State; Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute of the
Secretariat of State; and other members of the Roman Curia were with the new
Pope at that moment.
The Vatican Television Center broadcasted images of the Pope as he sat in his
study in the papal apartment and was seen writing, on a white sheet of paper,
his new signature as Pontiff.
While the papal apartment is being prepared, Benedict XVI will stay at the Domus
Sanctae Marthae, the cardinals' residence during the conclave.