In a ceremony televised across the world Cardinal-elect Sean Brady knelt before Pope Benedict XVI and pledged his allegiance to the Church before receiving his special red birretta - a symbol of a Cardinal's dignity and willingness to shed blood for the increase of the Christian faith.

In what was probably the greatest honour bestowed upon him in his lifetime, he stood in the breathtaking beauty of St Peter's Basilica and accepted a role which will see him help to elect a new Pope upon the death or resignation of the current Holy Father.

Despite its size, space inside the Basilica was limited but I was one of the lucky people to gain access and enjoy the overwhelming atmosphere of the occasion.

At just three years of age I saw Pope John Paul II as he made his way through the streets of Liverpool during a visit to England.

At the time I was aware of little more than the party atmosphere as thousands took to the streets on a sunny May day - certainly I was too young to understand the gravity of the occasion.

But as I made my way to St Peter's Square on Saturday I could not help but be swept up in the air of anticipation and excitement of the crowd assembling to watch the momentous event.

Following last minute predictions of rain the Consistory scheduled to take place in St Peter's Square on Saturday morning was moved into the Basilica di San Piepro.

With the facades painted by the likes of Michaelangelo, including his masterpiece dome 119 metres above our heads, standing inside the Basilica is a truly humbling experience and as the procession leading the Pope made its way down the aisle the atmosphere exploded with excitement.

Cameras flashed, people applauded and cheered and some stood on their chairs to get a better view of the Pope. There were even tears from some as the reality of the occasion overtook them.

Despite the surroundings and solemn objective of the occasion there was almost a party atmosphere as the name of each Cardinal-elect was read out by the Pope, and greeted by cheers from well wishers.

There was a truly international flavour with Archbishops from across the world being installed as Cardinal and the crowd of people inside and outside the Basilica represented this meeting of cultures.

And as the Pope named His Beatitude Emmanuel III Delly, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans Iraq, as a new Cardinal he appealed to the congregation to pray for peace in the war-torn country.

Up to 1,000 people are thought to have travelled from Ireland to watch the ceremony at first hand. Cardinal Brady is due to hold a mass in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, on Thursday evening.