The new Pontiff spoke to media for the first time on Saturday April 23, in multiple languages including English, French and his native German. He stressed that each journalist should contribute to social altruism with their ability to reach “the whole of humanity”.

Benedict XVI also emphasized the “ethical responsibilities” to be integral to the “sincere search for truth and safeguarding the centrality and dignity of the person.” Unlike John Paul II, whose first news conference lasted 40 minutes, Pope Benedict XVI spoke around 15 minutes and answered questions in Pope Paul VI Hall.

In his address, Benedict thanked the media for putting the Church in the spotlight in recent weeks, saying the blanket coverage had a unifying power for Catholics around the world.

With intermissions of loud applause from over 4,000 journalists, Benedict said he was committed to “continue the fruitful dialogue” with the media similar to his predecessor John Paul who was renowned for his commendable communication abilities during his 26-year reign.

Benedict, 78, celebrated his inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday (April 24) and delivered his first public homily as leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics from the spot where he presided over John Paul's funeral two weeks ago.

Rome shut off its airspace for the Mass and had anti-aircraft missiles and a NATO plane guarding against attack.

More than 1,000 volunteers have been drafted in to marshal the crowds, including some from a German-speaking area of northern Italy to help pilgrims from the Pope's homeland. City authorities estimated that some 500,000 people attended the Mass.