Pope Benedict XVI Says Farewell in St. Peter's Square
By: Jessica Starr
Updated: February 27, 2013
February 27, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI is officially retiring tomorrow.
He hosted his final general audience in St. Peter's Square this morning.
The pope addressed tens of thousands of people and thanked them for supporting his decision to resign.
He also recalled moments of both difficulty and joy during his 8 years as pope. His abdication will be captured live by 26 cameras.
Some spectators say they're full of devotion and understand that resigning is something that is necessary for Pope Benedict XVI.
Others say they know that he's leaving a Catholic church deeply concerned by corruption and scandal.
Tomorrow, Pope Benedict XVI will say goodbye to the cardinals and leave on a helicopter to his retreat.
He will retain the name Benedict, as well as being called His Holiness.
He will also be referred to as Pope Emeritus. Emeritus refers to someone who has retired but still retains a title.
He will still wear white. He will no longer wear the traditional red shoes that popes wear, but will instead wear brown loafers.
Benedict is the first pope to step down in 600 years.
