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About 350,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square to watch the Mass in which Pope Benedict XVI was inaugurated.

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Some 100,000 Germans - many in traditional costume - came to see the first German Pope in almost 1,000 years.

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Heads of state, including King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, were there along with religious leaders.

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The ceremony combined ancient Vatican ritual with modern communication and was watched around the world.

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The investiture began inside the magnificent Basilica where Benedict XVI prayed at St Peter's tomb.

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The cardinals who helped choose the new Pope welcomed his pledge to lead them and the Roman Catholic Church.

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Pope Benedict said he did not feel alone in his task to shepherd his flock of 1.1 billion Catholics.

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He used his homily to appeal to young people, telling them not to be afraid of faith.

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In a scene reminiscent of Pope John Paul II's funeral, an altar was set up on the steps of St Peter's.

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After the service the Pope took to his new vehicle to get closer to the gathered crowds.

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After the Mass, delighted pilgrims clamoured to get a photograph of the new Pope.

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The Pope's older brother Georg was one of the many joining the congregation.