End of road ... Pope waves to crowd from Popemobile
THE departing Pope said goodbye to tens of thousands of his followers today in
his final appearance before quitting the Vatican.
Around 150,000 people packed into Rome's St Peter's Square to listen to the historic address
by Benedict XVI.
It came just a fortnight after his shock announcement that he was stepping down - the first
pontiff to do so in 600 years.
The Pope told the throng of flag-waving Roman Catholics he was doing so for the good of their
Church. more pix
Powerful ... Pope is still able to draw huge crowds
He spoke of the "joy and light" that he had experienced during his papacy.
But the 85-year-old also said his time had been tainted with great difficulties.
The pontifex said he was aware of the "gravity and novelty" in his decision to resign after eight
years but said he would still serve the church through prayer.
Pilgrims and tourists who could not get into the packed square watched the speech as it was
beamed onto giant TV screens nearby.
Video:
Pope gives thanks at final audience
THOUSANDS of pilgrims gather in St Peter's Square in the Vatican for last speech of Pope
Benedict papacy
Popemobile ... Pope tours St Peter's Square
His resignation officially takes effect from tomorrow.
A total of 50,000 tickets were snapped up for the historic appearance - the official turnout was
estimated to be triple that.
Driven in in his open-sided 'Popemobile', Benedict took time to greet his chanting flock, kissing
the heads of half a dozen babies handed to him.
He was greeted with cries of 'benedetto' - Italian for blessed - and banners of thanks reading
'Grazie'.
The Pope - real name Joseph Ratzinger - said: "To love the church means also to have the
courage to take difficult, painful decisions, always keeping the good of the church in mind, not
oneself.
"I have had moments of joy and light, but also moments that haven't been easy... moments of
turbulent seas and rough winds."
So long ... Pope waves
The Pope officially steps down today as cardinals prepare to choose his successor.
He is then expected to be flown by helicopter to his new summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo
south of the Italian capital.
Bookies Ladbrokes have installed Cardinal Peter Turkson as favourite to become the next
Pope.
Amen ... he leaves chair after last audience yesterday
The Ghanaian candidate is 5/2 to take over, followed by Italian cardinals Scola at 7/2 and the
rapidly-rising Bertone at 4/1.
Jessica Bridge from the bookmaker said: "The betting is really hotting up and if the money
continues for Cardinal Bertone he could soon find himself in pole position for the place in the
Popemobile."
myView
By LOUISE MENSCH, Sun columnist
WHOEVER succeeds Benedict XVI as the next Pope may find themselves leading a
very different church.
In the wake of Cardinal Keith O’Brien’s resignation in Scotland, Catholics around the world fear
a dam is about to break.
My column last Sunday spoke of a “secret dossier”, with claims of corruption and blackmail in t
he Church. The question has to be, how deep do these scandals and cover-ups run?
The faithful will wish to to see Cardinals and Popes, who hold authority over them, obeying the
same rules that they do.
For many, the debate will be about whether priests should be allowed to marry. A ban on
married priests is not Church doctrine, it is only a discipline. A new Pope could reverse it.
Many men who feel called to priesthood do not join as they cannot imagine life without a wife or
children.
As vocations dwindle, this is one step a new Pope may feel compelled to take.
Farewell Papa
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