Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, declaring that "democracy has prevailed" as he took the helm of a deeply divided nation and inherited a confluence of crises arguably greater than any faced by his predecessors.

Biden, sworn in at 11:49 a.m.

"Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew, and America has risen to the challenge," Biden said early in his address.

WATCH | Biden calls for healing:.

Biden also hailed the historic achievement of his Vice-President Kamala Harris.

Harris took the oath administered by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, becoming the first Black, South Asian and female vice-president.

Harris, who spent some of her teen years in Montreal, was said to be using a Bible in the swearing-in ceremony that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice. .

Biden and his wife, Jill, began the day by attending a service at Washington's Cathedral of St.

WATCH | Kamala Harris makes history:.

6 insurrection at the Capitol accompanied Harris and Biden at the west front.

politicians past and present proceeded to the west front shortly before 11 a.m., with 44th president Barack Obama and wife Michelle getting a notable round of applause. Two other past presidents arrived with their wives — Bill and Hillary Clinton and George W.

Bush and his wife, Laura — while the oldest living president, 96-year-old Jimmy Carter, had sent his well wishes.

Biden, Harris and their spouses paused on the steps of the U.S.

WATCH | Biden says we have learned that 'democracy is precious ...

Biden took his first oath of office as a Washington politician just over 48 years ago, in a hospital room in Delaware as his two sons recuperated from a car crash that killed Biden's first wife, Neilia, and their baby daughter, Naomi.

Biden, not thrilled with playing second fiddle, later wrote of being persuaded to take the VP job in no small part by his 91-year-old mother, Catherine, who impressed upon him the history of serving under the first Black president.

WATCH | Biden is sworn in:.

Biden had every intention of running for president in 2016, but was waylaid by another tragedy.

Harris drew applause as she entered the chamber to deliver the oath of office to Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Alex Padilla just hours after taking her own oath at the Capitol alongside Biden