Benedict greets cardinals on final day as Pope
Associated Press
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Associated
Press/Gregorio Borgia - Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims at the end of
his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday,
Feb. 27, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI basked in an emotional
sendoff Wednesday at his final general audience in St. Peter's Square,
recalling moments of "joy and light" during his papacy but also times of
great difficulty. He also thanked his flock for respecting his decision
to retire. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
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VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI has greeted his cardinals for the last time as pontiff, beginning a quiet final day as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics before flying off into retirement.A
No major speech was planned during Thursday's farewell to his closest advisers. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the dean of the cardinals, thanked Benedict for his service.
Around 5 p.m., Benedict will leave the palace for the last time as
pontiff, head to the helicopter pad on the hill in the Vatican gardens
and fly to the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo.
There, at 8 p.m. sharp, Benedict becomes the first pontiff in 600
years to resign. The doors of the palazzo will shut and the Swiss Guards
in attendance will go off duty.
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