Asian Express: Baroness Warsi visits Rome for Pope’s inauguration

Britain’s Minister for Faith was in Rome this week representing the UK government at the new Pope’s inauguration at the Vatican.

Baroness Warsi, who is also a Senior Foreign Office Minister, was at the installation of Pope Francis alongside the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on March 19.

In a packed St Peter’s Square, the delegation took their place alongside the world’s dignitaries to watch Pope Francis formally become head of the Catholic Church – which has 1.2 billion followers worldwide, including 6 million people in the UK.

Baroness Warsi said:

“It was a true privilege to be part of such a historic event and to witness up-close this very spiritual moment.

“I was heartened to be surrounded by so many people, of so many different faiths. It goes to show the importance the Catholic Church and their new Pope place on their relationship with other faiths. As I looked out into the crowd, I saw flags from so many nations – showing the true global reach of the church.

“Pope Francis already showed how down to earth he was in his first few days as pontiff. He cemented his reputation as a pope of the people at his inaugural Mass when he mingled with the crowds. His homily, calling upon everyone to protect the poor, provided a universal message, to people of all faiths and none.”