Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said, "From what I understand," retired Pope Benedict XVI did not plan to attend the installation Mass of his successor.
The installation Mass is filled with solemnity and symbols, although not as ornate as in the papal coronation Masses.
In 1963, Pope Paul VI became the last to receive the papal tiara at the beginning of his Petrine ministry.
His successor, Pope John Paul I, chose to forego the crown and began his ministry with an installation Mass.
During the installation Mass, the new pope will receive his fisherman's ring -- a reminder of his charge to be a fisher of men.
He also will receive a pallium -- a woolen band meant to invoke a shepherd carrying a sheep on his shoulders.