Pope Benedict XVI says goodbye
Tomorrow will be his last day as Pope.
Benedict XVI bade farewell to believers at St Peters Square in Vatican City on February 27, BBC reports. Speaking to thousands of pilgrims, the 85-year-old pontiff said that the pontificate had been a huge responsibility for him but he had always felt that God would not leave him. He also added that there had been a lot of moments of happiness.
Benedict XVI will get the title "honorary Pope" after he leaves the Vatican on Thursday. He will move to Castel Gandolfo, his summer residence 24 km away from Rome.
The ex-pontiff will continue wearing his white soutane but he will have to part with the red shoes and the Ring of the Fisherman. He will wear brown hand-made shoes instead - the shoes were presented to him during his last year's visit to Mexico.
The personal ring belonging to Benedict XVI will be destroyed according to the traditions of the Catholic Church - this is also done when a pontiff dies.
The process of election of a new pontiff will begin of Match 4. The final decision will be made by Easter, March 31.
Photo by — proufu.ru
