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.
“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...
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| 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...
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