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.
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.
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