ROME
Boston Globe

Pope Francis spends first hours as leader of Catholic Church in prayer; has brief meeting with Cardinal Bernard Law

By Lisa Wangsness and David Filipov, Globe Staff

ROME — With the humility and quiet humor that have become his calling card, Pope Francis, in his first day as pontiff, made several visits to important shrines in Rome and checked out of his residence, making sure to pay the bill.

Shortly after 8 a.m., the pope went to Saint Mary Major Basilica where he sat in silent prayer and also prayed at the main altar where what is believed to be the relics of the manger where Jesus Christ was born are kept.

Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi today confirmed that during his visit to Saint Mary Major, Francis “discreetly’’ greeted Cardinal Bernard F. Law, who was the archpriest of the basilica before he retired from…