BEIJING, May 2 -- Pope Benedict XVI has made the first appearance of his papacy at the papal apartment.

    

Pope Benedict XVI has made the first appearance of his papacy at the papal apartment.(Photo: AP)

In the 15-minute appearance on Sunday, the newly elected Pope told people that he was keeping up the cherished tradition of his beloved predecessor, John Paul II.

    An estimated 50,000 people turned out in St. Peter's Square, one of the largest for the customary Sunday noon window appearance.

    Many in the crowd came to Rome to participate in a huge rally and concert scheduled for Sunday evening to mark the Labor Day.

    German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pontiff on April 19 after John Paul II died on April 2 at the age of 84. He took the name Benedict XVI.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)