Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope. He was elected on 19 April 2005 in a papal conclave, celebrated his Papal Inauguration Mass on 24 April 2005, and took possession of his cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, on 7 May 2005. A native of Bavaria, Pope Benedict XVI has both German and Vatican citizenship. He succeeded John Paul II.

In Rome, I saw the Pope twice. Every Sunday he greets and speaks to the masses from his apartment in St. Peter's Square. On Wednesday we gives mass in St. Peter's Square.

The Pope's apartment.

Waiting for the Pope in St. Peter's Square.

St. Peter's Square.

St. Peter's Square.

St. Peter's Square.

The Pope in his apartment.

Speaking to everyone in St. Peter's Square.

St. Peter's Square.

Mass in front of St. Peter's Basilica.

During mass on Wednesday.

There were a number of big screens posted around the square.