Newly-elected Pope Benedict the 16th has promised to work to unify all Christians and continue efforts to reach out to other faiths.
Conducting his first mass as pope Wednesday, Pope Benedict said gestures at unity are not enough. He called for what he says are concrete acts that enter the soul. He also said he wants to continue the dialogue with other faiths, which was a hallmark of Pope John Paul the Second's reign.
Many world religious leaders have welcomed the new pope. But retired South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu tells VOA he is disappointed with the church's choice.
Archbishop Tutu calls Benedict "rigid," in part because of his strong support for the church's ban on condoms. Many experts say condoms can help stop Africa's AIDS epidemic.
Information for this report is provided by AP and AFP.