Gavin Hewitt looks at the life and work of the new Pope.
14 March 2013
Pope Francis has begun his first day as leader of the Catholic Church, talking about his plans for his papacy. The Argentine faces a series of tough challenges.
He will lead cardinals in his first Mass, begin appointing senior Vatican staff and may visit the last pope, Benedict, Pope Emeritus.
The first Latin American and Jesuit pope has received many goodwill messages from around the world.
- in the modern era
in recent or present times
severe or strict
- a man of simple tastes
he has uncomplicated interests
- a conservative
has traditional views of society that he may not want to change
not thinking he is better than other people
- a Vatican outsider
not connected with important people inside the Vatican
- to take on
- victory for the reformers
success for people who are trying to improve the system or the rules
- the moral authority
the quality of being respected and a source of guidance