VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI basked in an emotional send-off Wednesday from an estimated 150,000 people at his final general audience in St. Peter’s Square, recalling moments of “joy and light” during his papacy and also times of difficulty when “it seemed like the Lord was sleeping.”
The crowd, many toting banners saying “Grazie!” (“Thank you!”), jammed the piazza to bid Benedict farewell and hear his final speech as pontiff. In this appointment, which he has kept each week for eight years to teach the world about the Catholic faith, Benedict thanked his flock for respecting his retirement, which takes effect Thursday.
via Pope presides over final general audience.
Related articles
- Pope set for final Vatican address (timesofmalta.com)
- Pope poised to hold final general audience (cbc.ca)
- Pope Presides Over Final General Audience (kolotv.com)
- Pope imparts final blessing at general audience (fsn.typepad.com)
- Pope Benedict XVI Gives Final Audience (radio.foxnews.com)
- Big crowds gather for Benedict’s final papal audience (cnn.com)
