Pope Benedict XVI Has thanked the public for their "love and prayers", as I made his first public appearance since announcing his resignation.
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| The BBC's Luisa Baldini says the Pope was greeted by wild applause at the Vatican. |
The Pope was cheered by crowds as I Entered and Began speaking at a weekly audience in a hall at the Vatican.
I said I resigned "for the good of the Church", aware of his own spiritual and physical strength declining.
Later I will hold what is expected to be his last public Mass, for Ash Wednesday, in St Peter's Basilica.Continue reading the main storyAnalysisimage of David Willey David Willey BBC News, Vatican City
Pope Benedict received a rapturous welcome from Thousands of pilgrims When He Appeared in public inside the Vatican audience hall for the first time since announcing his resignation.
I said I made the decision fully conscious of its gravity. But I only Briefly Referred to his stepping down as Pope in 15 days' time, asking in particular, for prayers for himself and his successor who will be at a Vatican conclave CHOSEN next month.
Pope Benedict perked up as the applause grew in intensity. I Chanted the Our Father in Latin, generally gave a blessing to All Those present and finally blessed rosaries and personal objects Brought by Catholics from around the world.
Could retirement seal Pope's legacy?
The 85-year-old will continue with his diary as usual Until The Day I officially retire at the end of February, Vatican Officials Say.
By the end of Lent, in six weeks' time, there is expected to be a new Pope.
The Pope held his weekly General Audience at its traditional venue, the audience hall in the Vatican.
Thousands of people Gathered in the hall to greet him, giving him a standing ovation as I arrived, and cheering as I Began and finished speaking.
The BBC's David Willey in Rome says I looked tired and drawn.
Pope Benedict Thanked them for Their warm greeting and Their sympathy.
"Thank you for the love and prayer Accompanied with Which You have me ... Keep praying for me, for the Church and for the future pope," I said.Continue reading the main storyWhat happens now
February 17-23 - Lenten retreat, Normal MOST functions Vatican suspended
February 24 - Pope recite Angelus for the last time
27 February - Last weekly audience, in St. Peter's Square
Evening of February 28 - Pope leaves office
From 15 March - Conclave to elect new Pope
How does a Pope resign from office?
I said I was aware of the gravity of his decision to resign but his declining strength of Also, I was adding Certain That the Church would sustain him with prayer.
"I did this in full liberty for the good of the Church," I added.
The afternoon Mass has been relocated. The pontiff had been scheduled to celebrate Ash Wednesday at the small Sant 'Anselmo church, then lead a procession to Santa Sabina Basilica on Rome's Aventine Hill.
The Vatican said the change to St Peter's was to accommodate the crowds, but it will save the Pope Also the effort of the procession.
"It will be an important concelebration, and the last led by the Holy Father in St. Peter's," Vatican Spokesman Federico Lombardi said.Continue reading the main storyPope Benedict XVI
At 78, one of the oldest new popes in history When Elected in 2005
Born in Germany in 1927, joined Hitler Youth during WWII and was conscripted as an anti-aircraft gunner - but deserted
As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, spent 24 years in charge of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - overseeing Catholic doctrine
A theological conservative views on homosexuality with uncompromising and women priests
Reached out to other faiths, visiting sites holy to Muslims and Jews
Profile: Pope Benedict XVI
Analysis: The reluctant Pope?
Pope Benedict will anoint the foreheads of the faithful with ashes, in a service Attended by cardinals, bishops, monks, friars and pilgrims.
Ash Wednesday begins Lenten season, a period of penitence before Easter - Celebrated This Year by western Christians at the end of March and beginning of April.
The Vatican holds a Lenten retreat from 17 to 23 February. The Pope will hold one more audience on Wednesday 27 February, again in St Peter's Square.
At 78, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest popes in history at his election.
He took the helm as one of the Fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades - the scandal of child sex abuse by priests - was breaking.
The pontiff said in his Monday's statement: "After having my conscience Repeatedly Examined before God, I have come to the Certainty That my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry."
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