PICTURES

Pope Francis celebrates first mass since election

VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Pope Francis and the cardinals who made him the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church returned to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, this time to celebrate mass together.

After a recitation of the Lord's Prayer, the famous chapel adorned with Michelangelo's frescoes began resounding with Latin song.

The New Testament reading was from the Book of Matthew in which Christ says to Peter: "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church."

All the cardinals, as well as the new pope, wore simple light yellow robes over their cassocks.

Francis was elected on Wednesday by 114 fellow cardinals after two days of secret balloting in the chapel.

The 76-year-old Argentinian looked solemn.

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