The First Words of Pope Benedict XVI
Tuesday, April 19, 2005 from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

"Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me — a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord. The fact that the Lord can work and act even with insufficient means consoles me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers.  In the joy of the risen Lord, trusting in his permanent help, we go forward. The Lord will help us and Mary his very holy mother stands by us."

First Homily of Pope Benedict XVI, April 20, 2005

"It seems I can feel his [John Paul II] strong hand squeezing mine;
I seem to see his smiling eyes and listen to his words,
addressed to me especially at this moment: 'Do not be afraid!' "

~Pope Benedict XVI,
Homily at Mass in the Sistine Chapel,
April 20, 2005