Updated: 28 February 2013 07:30 AM
The Pope's Farewell Address

Huge crowds see Benedict XVI make his final appearance in public

The pope waves from his 'Popemobile' as he rides through St Peter's Square (© REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini)
Next
Previous
Previous
  • The pope waves from his 'Popemobile' as he rides through St Peter's Square (© REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini)
  • A packed Saint Peter's Square gathers to hear the pope's farewell (© REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini)
  • The pope addresses the crowds in St. Peter's Square (© REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi)
  • A monk holds roses while listening to the pope (© REUTERS/Max Rossi)
  • Priests hold a Mexican flag in St Peter's Square (© REUTERS/Max Rossi)
  • A sign reading 'thank you' in Italian is held in St Peter's Square (© REUTERS/Max Rossi)
  • Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in St Peter's Square (© REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi)
  • The pope blesses a baby as he rides around St Peter's Square (© REUTERS/Max Rossi)
Next
REUTERS/Stefano RellandiniShow Thumbnails
Previous1 of 10Next
Share this Gallery

The Pope has made his final appearance in public before resigning from his office on Thursday. In front of tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square in Rome, the pontiff spoke of moments of "joy and light" but also times of great difficulty. After his address, Benedict travelled around the square, stopping to kiss and bless half a dozen children handed to him by his secretary. This picture shows the pontiff arriving in his 'Popemobile'.

News in Pictures