(CNN) -- Brazil's first female president was sworn in Saturday amid cheers and tears from supporters, many of whom followed her rise from freedom fighter brutally persecuted by the country's military junta in the 1960s to head of state.
The world watched as Dilma Rousseff announced her new directives as president, drawing attention to the historic weight of her presidency.
"This is the first time that the presidential sash hangs over the shoulders of a woman," she said.
"I am committed to honoring women, to protecting the most vulnerable and to govern for all".
"From now on I am the president of all Brazilians," a tearful Rousseff told the crowd.
Rousseff, 63, replaces Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the most popular president in Brazil's recent history. Rousseff served as his chief of staff.
Rousseff, who was elected in October in a runoff vote, was sworn in just before 3 p.m. local time, along with her vice president, Michel Temer. CNN
