Video: Pope Francis Washed & Kissed the feet of 12 Young Prisoners.

Pope Francis Inauguration Mass held at the Vatican

The inauguration Mass for Pope Francis has been held in St Peter's Square in Rome, marking the start of his papacy.

Francis earlier toured the square in an open-topped vehicle, descending to bless pilgrims behind the barriers.

His homily called on global leaders and all people of the world to protect the weak and the poor. Tens of thousands of pilgrims attended the Mass.

Francis was elected by a conclave of cardinals last week to take over from Benedict XVI.

Benedict became the first pontiff in 600 years to abdicate last month. Citing his age, 85, he said he could no longer continue in the post.

The first pontiff from the Americas, Francis has suggested he will take a more modest approach than predecessors.

Pope Francis, formerly Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, left his temporary residence at Casa Santa Marta shortly before 09:00 (08:00 GMT) and began touring St Peter's Square.

Rodrigo Grajales, a 31-year-old Colombian priest, told AFP news agency: "With Pope Francis, the Church will be closer to the people and to the modern world."

He waved to the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, who flew flags and shouted: "Long live the Pope!"

One of the Pope's first duties was to go down to the tomb of St Peter to venerate it.

Francis was then presented with his papal pallium made of lambs' wool - symbolising his role as shepherd of his flock - in the main square.

He also received the "fisherman's ring" bearing the image of St Peter holding two keys. The ring is second hand and is made of silver-plated gold, not the solid gold worn by Francis' predecessor.

With the reception of the pallium and ring, Francis officially began his office as the 266th pope.

The Pope then received the obedience of the cardinals, and the Mass formally began.

Francis then delivered his homily, in Italian.

It began by focusing on Joseph and his role as protector - of Mary, Jesus and the Church.

The Vatican: Conclave To Elect Pope To Begin On Tuesday

Roman Catholic cardinals will start their conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI on March 12, the Vatican says.

The secret vote to elect a new Pope is set to begin next Tuesday at the Vatican.

The Vatican press office said the decision was taken during a vote Friday afternoon of the College of Cardinals.

Only Cardinals who are under the age of 80 - 115 of them - can take part in the election, which is held behind locked doors in the Sistine Chapel.

The Chapel has been closed to the public as it is prepared for the conclave, which is carried out according to strict protocols and ancient ritual.

The Cardinals will attend a mass on Tuesday morning before filing into the Chapel and holding their first vote that afternoon to choose a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

Benedict announced last month he was resigning saying he didn't have the mental or physical strength to carry on as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

The conclave will take as long as it takes. Cardinals hold 2 votes in the morning and 2 in the afternoon until one candidate gets a two-thirds majority - 77 votes.

When that happens white smoke will rise from the Vatican chimney as the votes are burnt signalling a new Pope has been selected.

If there is no majority, black smoke signals the conclave will continue for another day.

Within an hour of the white smoke, the new Pope will appear on the balcony of St Peter's basilica to the words "Habemus Papem" - "we have a Pope".