[Pyro7480]

In this photo made available by the L'Osservatore Romano Vatican newspaper, Pope Benedict XVI walks through the Papal apartments at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 20, 2005. Pope Benedict XVI, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, visited his new residence inside the Vatican Wendesday. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)

In this photo made available by the L'Osservatore Romano Vatican newspaper, Pope Benedict XVI looks out from a balcony overlooking St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 20, 2005. Pope Benedict XVI, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, visited his new residence inside the Vatican Wednesday. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)

Pope Benedict XVI greets a crowd outside his residence in the Vatican, April 20, 2005. The pope moved swiftly on the first day of his reign on Wednesday to allay fears of a rigid, authoritarian papacy, saying he would work for dialogue both within the Church and with other faiths. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd gathered in front of his former private home in Rome, Wednesday, April 20, 2005. The Pontiff, former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, exited the Vatican City Wednesday for a quick visit to his former home. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

[GipperGal]

Hey, love that Tolkien quote. Was that from one of his letters?

[socialismisinsidious]

thanks for the photos!
printing them off so my kids can take them to school (it goes without saying that they don't go to government school)

[shhrubbery!]

No matter how much the media try to demonize him, you can see in these pictures that new pope is a gentle, humble man, a true agnus dei --not THE Lamb of God, of course, but a worthy successor of Peter.

His smile is full of joy and love. God help him, and us, that the hatred being directed his way not dim that joy.

[TNCMAXQ]

How odd seeing another man in that white cassock and cap after we had been used to John Paul for decades. But time marches on.

Interesting that he is the first pope in decades who does not have to "move" to Rome as he was already located there. He is also the first pope since Pius 12 who was not currently a bishop when he was elected. If I am not mistaken he was archbishop of Munich but he left that position in 1981.

[Rightfootforward]

Neat photos, many thanks!
Looks to me like Pope Benedict XVI already has his act together and is taking it out on the road. Good for him!

[ELS]

I'm joining the chorus ... thanks for the photos!

[ELS]

This image says it all. He looks as happy to be with them as they are to be with him. The Holy Ghost has given us quite a gem of a Holy Father. Deo Gratias!

[rahbert]

wonder if he'll give an interview to Ron Novello?

[Miss Behave]

OutSTANDING pictures and descriptions, Pyro. Thank you for them. Il Papa looks absolutely Heavenly in his whites.

[TAdams8591]

Beautiful pics!!!

I love the new pope and God Bless him. Many prayers for his difficult task ahead!

[Arthur McGowan]

Don't these people even know enough to flee from the monster???

[fatnotlazy]

ELS: Thank you for posting the article. The new Pope is starting off well indeed.

Pyro: Thanks for the great photographs.