After the 15-minute helicopter trip to Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict
XVI offered a word of thanks to the thousands of people who traveled
there to support him in has last hours as Pope.
“I am happy to be with you, surrounded by the beauty of Creation and
your sympathy that does so much good for me. Thank you for your
friendship and love,” the Pope said at around 5:30 p.m. from the balcony
of his villa.
“You know that today is different than previous ones. I’m no longer the
Pope. Until 8:00 p.m. I am, but then afterwards I am no longer Pope of
the Catholic Church,” he said.
Pope Benedict then offered a window into how he sees this stage of his life.
“I’m simply a pilgrim that is starting the last stage of his pilgrimage
on Earth,” he remarked, “but I would still like with my heart, with my
love, with my prayer, with my reflection, with all my inner strength to
work for the common good of the Church and of humanity, and I feel very
supported by your sympathy.
“Let’s go ahead together with the Lord for the good of the Church and of the world,” he said as he finished his brief greeting.
Pope Benedict XVI then gave his last papal blessing to the crowd.
“Thank you. And now I impart to you the Lord’s blessing with my whole
heart. May God bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you and good
night. Thanks to all of you.”