Germany's Merkel (gasp) *Sworn* In

Dr. Angela Merkel became Germany's first female Chancellor today, opting in for the God clause in her oath of office:

"I swear that I will devote my strength to the welfare of the German people, increase their benefits, ward off harm to them, respect and defend the Constitution and the laws of the state, conscientiously fulfil my duties and practise justice toward every person," she said.

Merkel (51) added the optional phrase "so help me God" at the end of the formal oath. Her predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, had omitted it during his swearing-in as chancellor in 1998 and after his re-election in 2002.

Nobody tell Michael Newdow.