At the end of the celebration, and after removing the Liturgical vestments, the Pope will go to the Basilica’s high altar, before which he will greet the heads of the official delegations from various countries who will pass before him.
He will then go to the Domus Sanctae Marthae for lunch.
Other delegations staying in Rome can meet with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., secretary of State of His Holiness, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States the following day, Wednesday (for example, the President of Brazil in light of the upcoming World Youth Day). As is known, the Pope will receive delegations of the Christian Churches and Ecclesial Communities and of other religions in audience on Wednesday.
Those Attending
• After nearly 1,000 years, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His Holiness Bartholomew I, will attend the inauguration of the Pope of Rome.
• The main delegations that are expected to attend are:
33 delegations representing Christian Churches and Ecclesial Communities Among these will be present: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I; Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II; Metropolitan Hilarion of the Patriarchate of Moscow; many metropolitans; Anglican Archbishop Sentamu; Secretary of the World Council of Churches Fykse Tveit; etc.
• 16 members of important Jewish delegations including: the Jewish community of Rome; international Jewish committees; the Chief Rabbinate of Israel; the World Jewish Congress; the Anti-Defamation League, etc. As well as delegations of Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jainists, etc.
• Delegations from 132 countries have confirmed their attendance.
• The delegations are coming to Rome following information of the event made public by the Secretary of State.
There were no ‘invitations’ sent out. All who wish to come are warmly welcomed. No one has privileged status or will be refused. The order will depend on protocol and the level of the delegation.”
• The most important delegations will be those from Argentina, led by President Cristina Kirchner and Italy, led by President Napolitano and Prime Minister Monti with presidents of the Italian Senate, House, and Constitutional Court.
• Also expected are six reigning sovereigns; 31 heads of state; three crown princes; 11 heads of government (ie. Vice President of the United States; and delegations led by: first ladies, vice presidents, vice prime ministers, parliament presidents, ministers, ambassadors, and other dignitaries.)
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