The new pope's first day: Mass with the cardinals

A man of many firsts, Pope Francis will spend part of his first full day celebrating Mass with the cardinals who elected him.When Jorge Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony at the Vatican on Wednesday evening to reveal himself as the new leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, he made history as the first non-European pope of the modern era, the first from Latin America, the first Jesuit and the first to assume the name Francis.Thursday is low-key by comparison.

Francis began the day by praying at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a place of special significance for the Jesuits. The Mass with the cardinals will take place at the Sistine Chapel and may provide further insights into his vision as he gives his first homily, or sermon, as pope.

His next public appearance is likely to be Sunday. The new pontiff will "very probably" say Mass at St. Peter's and then deliver the traditional Angelus blessing, said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman.But it won't be until Tuesday that Francis will be formally installed as pope.That's by design. The day coincides with the Feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Italy