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A papal mass at St Peter's basilica this morning co-celebrated by the Pope and the church's 22 new cardinals, including Maltese Cardinal Prospero Grech, was notable for its cosmopolitan nature.

The new cardinals hail from 11 different countries, and English, French, Portuguese, Mandarin and Hindu all featured in the Latin and Italian-dominated ceremony.

Cardinal Prospero took pride of place, leading the other Cardinals and Pontiff to the altar. Archbishop Paul Cremona and Gozo bishop Mario Grech sat among their fellow bishops, with President George Abela and deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg taking their place among the foreign dignitaries.

The Pope used his homily to remind the congregation of the church's significance and vocation, and drew parallels between St Peter - "upon this rock I shall found my church" said the gospel - and the new cardinals.

After the rushed hustle of yesterday's cardinal consistory, this morning's mass seemed relatively tranquil. Priests, bishops and cardinals chatted with one another before the mass began, and posed for photos once it was over.

Following mass, the Pope proceeded to his papal window and addressed the thousands of people gathered in St Peter's square, asking them to pray for these new 22 princes of the church and join him in a recital of the Angelus.