Pope Benedict XVI's Last Day As Pope

Pope Benedict XVI had a relatively quiet last day as Pope. He started off the day with a meet and greet with the cardinals. This took place in the  Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. Dressed in his red cloak, the pontiff stood and greeted each of the cardinals present personally. Each cardinal had an opportunity to have a private last word with the pope. It was also during this final meeting that he pledged obedience to his future successor.

Pope Benedict XVI meets with the cardinals

“I will continue to be close to you in prayer, especially in the next few days, so that you are fully accepting of the action of the Holy Spirit in the election of the new pope,” he told the cardinals. He continued to say “May the Lord show you what he wants. Among you there is the future pope, to whom I today declare my unconditional reverence and obedience,”.

Just before 5 PM local time he left the palace for the last time. He was taken to the helipad that is located above the Vatican gardens. There a helicopter was waiting to whisk him away to the papal vacation located at Castel Gandolfo just south of Rome.

After flying over Rome he arrived at his residence for the next few weeks. He was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, who chanted loudly "Benedetto, Benedetto" and also waved flags. He took the time to thank his supporters and said that he would continue to "work for the good of the Church." Before retreating into the grounds of the papal retreat.

At 8 PM local Rome time. The pope officially retired. To mark this momentous occasion in history they closed the doors of the palazzo. All the Swiss Guards who were on duty to protect the pope, are officially relieved of their duties until the next pope has been chosen by the conclave of cardinals within a few weeks.

May the Lord protect and guide his holiness Pope Emeritus as he embarks on this new phase of his life. We thank him for his service to the church for the past eight years and wish him peace, love and happiness for the rest of his days.

Watch the video below of his last meeting with the cardinals early this morning...

Pope Benedict XVI Leaves The Vatican

In the last hour Pope Benedict XVI has officially left the Vatican. From the Vatican he jumped into a chauffeured black Mercedes Benz in a courtyard, that was filled with about a hundred people including nuns who all applauded as the motorcade drove out.

Pope Benedict XVI Final Wave Before Boarding Helicopter.

The Swiss Guards stood at attention as the car drove past them and through the gates to the helipad where his holiness then boarded a white  'Repubblica Of Italiana' helicopter. At exactly 5:07 PM local time, the helicopter lifted off the ground the bells went off in the Vatican.

He has since arrived at the papal retreat just outside Rome, which he will call home until the monastery on the grounds of the Vatican being renovated for him is ready.

 

Pope Benedict XVI Attends His Last Public Audience

Today Pope Benedict XVI had his final public appearance as pope. He was driven around St Peter's Square in the pope vehicle. He waved to the crowd gathered in the square to experience this once in a lifetime event. It is estimated over 150,000 people were present to witness the holy father's last public general audience.

Traditionally general audiences occur every Wednesday as the pope teaches the faithful and tourists about the faith of Catholics. Normally because it is winter time, this would have been held indoors. However, like the last one this one had to moved outdoors to allow more people to be able to attend. Dignitaries from various countries attended this one, Slovakia and San Marino even had its leaders in attendance.

Pope Benedict took he time to thank everyone around the world for accepting his very difficult decision to be the first pope in 600 years to abdicate. He acknowledged that he is fully aware of the gravity of his decision. Although it is one that was made after a lot of prayer.

He also talked about the day he was appointed Pope in April of 2005. On that day he had asked God in prayer, if this was his will. He recalled his very words as saying "It's a great burden that you've placed on my shoulders,'".

Reflecting on his eight years of service to the church he went on to say "I have had moments of joy and light, but also moments that haven't been easy … moments of turbulent seas and rough winds." He ended his speech as he did with the last asking us all to continue to pray for the church and the new pope, as he will also be doing.

The official time for the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI is 7 PM Italian time on Thursday 28th Of February.

 

Pope Benedict XVI To Keep Title "His Holiness" After He Resigns

In great news out of the Vatican today, it has been confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI will keep the title of pope even after he retires on February 28th 2013. He will still be referred to as 'His Holiness' and his official title will be "pope emeritus Benedict XVI" or "Roman Pontiff emeritus Benedict XVI".

As far as what he will wear out in public, he will be seen in a "simple white cassock". However keeping with tradition, they will destroy his papal ring once he is officially retired. His shoes will no longer be the infamous red "shoes of the fisherman" often mistaken for Prada but instead the homemade brown loafers that where gifted to him when he visited Mexico.

Pope Benedict XVI has been actively involved in finalizing the details of his life after he steps down from the papal chair. He consulted with officials within the Vatican regarding all the changes that we have already mentioned above. It looks like it will be a smooth transition for his Holiness. The only thing that he may have to adjust to is his new wardrobe, and name of course.

There is now less than 48 hours left before he steps down. Meanwhile news reports are saying that all of the cardinals from all over the world who will take part in the conclave to choose the next pope, should be in Rome by the end of this week. The Vatican has publicly acknowledges that ideally they would like a new Pope to be chosen by Easter.

 

Pope Benedict XVI Last Sunday Angelus

The 85 year old Pope Benedict XVI gave his final Sunday midday Angelus as pope on Sunday from the studio window that looks out to St Peter's Square. There were almost 200,000 people in attendance below, probably the largest crowd ever to attend his Sunday Angelus during his whole time as the Pope.

During his address to the people gathered below he explained in both Italian and English that his age coupled with having lesser energy each day are among the top reasons for his resignation. He went on to say he believes he will be better of in seclusion at the monastery engaged in a private prayer life as opposed to trying to continue to lead the church.

Today's appearance is his penultimate public appearance before he leaves the Pope's chair on February the 29th. His very last appearance will be the general audience on Wednesday. Many people have been requesting seats for this event from the Vatican, more than ever before. With such high demand it is very possible that the event will on Wednesday be moved from the General Audience Hall to St Peter's Square.

Pope Benedict XVI seemed more relaxed and energetic as he spoke to the thousands of people gathered in St Peter's square. Many were waving signs that read 'Thank You' and 'We Love You'. He explained that being involve in private prayer at the monastery  is not the same as him having abandoned the church altogether. He is still going to be serving the church with the same dedication that he has always had.

The weather men had forecasted heavy rain for Rome today. Although it did shower a little in the morning there was a lot of blue in the sky by the time the Pope appeared to address the public from the balcony. The pope thanked god for the weather saying "We thank God for the sun he has given us,". After he finished his address, he retreated back into the apartment as the crowd below chanted "Long live the Pope" in both Spanish and English.

Since the monastery is not yet ready, Pope Benedict XVI will be temporarily staying at the summer vacation house located in the hills on the outskirts of Rome. On Thursday when his term officially ends, a helicopter will fly him out there until they can move him into the monastery.
 

Will The Cardinals Select The First Black Pope?

In a first for the church the next pope could be black. The last time the cardinals had a conclave Cardinal Francis Arinze from Nigeria was almost elected as the pope. However, he is now 80 years old and maybe too old to be a contender. There is another African cardinal from Ghana 65 year old Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson who could be chosen to be the next Pope after Pope Benedict XVI resignation on February 28th 2013.

The argument is that with the large majority of Catholics now found in Africa, Latin America and Asia the time is right to have the first black pope? After all, Pope Benedict XVI has already made history by having the first papal abdication since the year 1495. This maybe the year to try different things and break a few church traditions. Maybe even consider a Latin American on Asian Pope?

Anything is possible these days. In 2008, the United States elected Barack Obama as their first black president. That is something that had never happened before and many were not prepared for. However, after the initial shock those who opposed the idea have gotten used to seeing their country be led by an African American. I suspect this would be the first reaction from Catholics all over the world, however they would all begin to accept it and all would be well.

Of course, they may be some who may never get used to the idea and will never accept it. We all have to realize that he world is changing every single day. Some traditions that seemed to have stood the test of time, may finally be about to get tested once again. Whether or not they come out on top again, we will have to see. May the best cardinal for job be chosen to become the next pope, regardless of his background.


 

Where Will Pope Benedict XVI Live After He Retires?

Monastery Pope Benedict XVI Will Move Into. 

Many people are wondering where does the Pope move to after February 28th? A spokesman from the Vatican has released details that the Pope will be moving to a monastery that is within the grounds of the Vatican. This is apparently something that he has been personally looking forward to doing in a long while. This will allow him to live a quieter life but still within in close proximity of the Vatican.

The monastery is currently being renovated. These started months ago, before anyone had any idea the pope will be moving in. The rush is now on to get the work done, in time for the Pope to move in at the end of February. With the new house, he is also getting a new title. The actual title will be revealed to the public in due course.
 

Why Did Pope Benedict XVI Resign??

All Catholics where blind sided by the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on Monday. Never in the church's 600 year history has a pope retired before his death. His official statement pointed to this being decision being carried out due to his age and limited physical abilities for him to continue his papal duties. When Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005 he was 84 years old, Pope Benedict is currently 85 years old.

It is therefore understandable, that we can expect his age beginning to interfere ad hinder him to perform his duties. Most people have accepted this as the natural cause for his resignation. However, there are a few out there who have questions. After all we live in a world of social media and live TV news broadcasts.

Some of the questions that are coming up include the current health of the holy father. The Vatican has recently released information that he fell in Mexico on his trip in 2012 and also that he has a pacemaker which had a new battery installed within the last year.

The Pope's brother also told the British press, that his brother had been cautioned against taking transatlantic flights by his doctor. This means that as a pope, he would not be able to visit any countries in Asia or the Americas. Clearly this is something that restricts his full duties.

Major United States based cable news network CNN has also brought to the forefront some other issues that may have contributed to the pope resigning. There is the ongoing child sex abuse allegations in the church and the Vatican Bank being investigated for not being in compliance with EU money laundering laws. There was also the incidence of documents being stolen from Pope Benedict's desk by his butler who went on to leak them to journalists.

Clearly there is a lot there is going on around the Pope, that can become overwhelming for a man his age. He maybe breaking a 600 year old tradition, but he says he has prayed and asked God's guidance in making the right decisions. Regardless, of the circumstances surrounding his resignation, it feels like it was the right thing for him to do. May the grace of the lord be with him, for the rest of his days.

Pope Benedict XVI Celebrates Last Ash Wednesday

Pope Benedict XVI lead the Ash Wednesday Mass in St Peter's Basilica earlier today. Reading from pre-written homily, he started of by recognizing the significance of Ash Wednesday is being the day that marks 40 days leading to the celebration of Easter. The
Ash Wednesday service is a tradition of the Roman of celebrating the Eucharist which should take place in the Basilica of Saint Sabina on the Aventine Hill in Rome, Italy. However, due to the prevailing circumstances they had to move the gathering to St
Peter's Basilica.

He went on to acknowledge that many where gathered around the tomb of the Apostle Peter and asking him to help the church in its current journey. Also taking the opportunity to thank everyone particular mentioning the diocese of Rome for helping him in his final days as the pope. He went on to ask for 'special remembrance in prayer'. After his opening remarks, Pope Benedict went on to talk about the readings that had just been read for the service.

You can watch the full video below...

Pope Benedict XVI Final Public Homily - Ash Wednesday 2013

Pope Benedict XVI Asks For Our Support

After his announcement on Monday, Pope Benedict made his first comments to the public on Wednesday morning. He was addressing a group of about 8000 tourists who had gathered in the audience hall for his weekly general meetings. It was good to see him looking physically fit and sound as he addressed the crowd, who urged him on as they applauded
to his speech.

He went on to tell them how the decision he has taken was for the good of the church and that he had taken a lot of time before making the decision to pray about it. Pope
Benedict also asked for prayers for both him and the church today and in the future. He went on to say that he is fully aware of the confusion that his resignation has caused but he still maintains that he was no longer able to lead the church both on a
spiritual and physical level.

He is grateful for all the support that he has been receiving from people all over the
world since Monday, saying that "he felt almost physically". Probably the last time we
will see him before February 28th which his last day as the leader of the church will
be later on today when he appears at St Peter's Basilica to preside over Ash Wednesday
proceedings.

Lightning Bolt Strikes The Vatican

This was a very strange event. Within 24 hours of the Pope resigning from his post, at about 6PM local Vatican time on Monday 11th of February there was a lightning strike that hit the Vatican smack dead on the top. Well it is understandable with the top of the dome being so high above all the other buildings in the area. However, one can not just wonder if it was some sort of sign or just pure coincidence. Hmmmm!

You can see the lighting strike in the video below...