Thousands gather for Pope Benedict's final speech at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City
Pope circled crowd in pope mobile
Posted: 02/27/2013
Last Updated:
86 days ago
VATICAN CITY - Thousands of faithful gathered in Vatican City to witness the pope's final public appearance.
At about 1:30 a.m. PST, Pope Benedict the 16th gave his last address to a packed crowd at Saint Peter's Square.
He circled the crowd in his pope mobile several times before delivering his final message.
Church officials said he will stop down during a ceremony tomorrow morning, then retire to a monastery on Vatican grounds with the honorary title of Pope Emeritus.
The Conclave to cardinals will meet early next month to choose his successor.
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