Mass welcomes pope

During his installation Mass in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI repeatedly asked people to pray for him, according to the Associated Press. Hours later on Sunday, Utah's Catholics did just that in the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City.

A long yellow-and-white banner was draped above the doors of the cathedral, 331 E. South Temple, as the congregation entered for 8:30 a.m. Mass. Members of the choir, priests and the bishop were dressed in white robes; the bishop carried a crozier staff and wore his mitre.

Many of the choir's songs were in Latin, and afterward an official said that is not unusual for a special occasion.

The Mass was dedicated to Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop George Niederauer, who officiated, asked the Lord to look with love upon the new pope. He said Benedict XVI was the successor of St. Peter, revered by Catholics as the first pope and the rock upon whom the church was founded.

"How can a mere man lead a church of a billion people?" he asked. He continued that a mere man alone can't, but that God can use him to lead his people. Catholics believe the pope, as Vicar of Christ, will be helped by the Holy Spirit.

The bishop asked about the new pope, "Is he a perfect man?" and replied, no, but that he was chosen of God and that the people of the Catholic Church will support him with their prayers.

He noted that the pope's work is "so very challenging, so very hard," and filled with pain.

During his homily, Bishop Niederauer used this example of how members of the church can follow the way of Jesus. If a stranger comes to the Catholic Church pastoral center and asks for directions to the church's Judge Memorial High School, he said, one answer could be to give detailed instructions on how to reach the school.

"Or I could say, 'Hop in the car and I'll take you there myself,' " he said. "That's what Jesus does for us. Jesus takes us there himself."

During the section of the Mass where prayers are recited for people, Pope Benedict XVI was mentioned first.

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