Pope Benedict XVI greeted crowds outside the palace at Castel Gandalfo in his final public appearance as pontiff
Nuns cheer as Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims, for the last time as head of the Catholic Church, from the window of Castel Gandolfo where he will start his retirement today
Benedict turned away from the crowds at Castel Gandolfo to pass the last two hours of his papacy within the palace
People cheer as Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd from the window of the Pope's summer residence where he will spend his first post-Vatican days
Before boarding the helicopter, Benedict said goodbye to the monsignors, nuns, Vatican staff and Swiss guards who make up the papal household
Pope Benedict XVI urged the cardinals to work in unity and promised his 'unconditional reverence and obedience' to his successor today
Pope Benedict XVI delivered his plea for unity during his farewell meeting to cardinals
The Pope's final day at the Vatican began with an assembly of his cardinals before he leaves for the papal retreat later today
The cardinals gathered in the Vatican's Clementine Hall to hear Benedict's final address this morning
In his farewell speech, the Pope said: 'I would still with my heart like to work for the common good and the good of the church and of humanity'
He's off ... Pope Benedict XVI leaves Vatican ahead of resignation
Flying away ... Pope in helicopter leaving the Vatican
The helicopter with Pope Benedict XVI aboard flies past St Peter's Square today as he left the Vatican
The Italian Air Force helicopter flew over St Peter's square as it began its short journey, flying over crowds gathered round large television screens
The small figure of Benedict XVI could be seen waving to crowds gathered on rooftops around Rome as his helicopter took of
A helicopter carrying Pope Benedict XVI lifts off from Vatican City . He will now be known as Roman pontiff emeritus or pope emeritus
POPE Benedict XVI today told his followers "thank you" and "good night" after he headed out of the Vatican by helicopter to his summer residence.
He flew to Castel Gandolfo in Lazio for the final hours of his papacy which ends tonight.
Pope Benedict also tweeted this farewell to his Catholic followers before getting on the white chopper: "Thank you for your love and support."
He then went on the balcony at Castel Gandolfo speaking his last public words as Pope.
The 85-year-old then told a gathered crowd: “I am simply a pilgrim who is starting the last part of his journey.”
Spectators replied: “Long live the Pope.”
Benedict then uttered his final words as the Pope saying: “Thank you, goodnight.”
He is stepping down after nearly eight years as leader of the world’s 1.2billion Roman Catholics.
The Pope had earlier met cardinals before being formally bid farewell by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and other members of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State in Rome.
The 85-year-old pontiff, who was elected in 2005 following the death of John Paul II, shocked the world earlier this month by announcing he was to resign on grounds of age and increasing frailty.
He is the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.
It was revealed that he is “grateful” for the prayers of Catholics in Britain following the announcement of his retirement.
Benedict XVI will now be known as “Pontiff emeritus” or “Pope emeritus” and will keep the name of “His Holiness, Benedict XVI”.
He will dress in a white cassock without the mozzetta, or elbow-length cape, but will no longer wear the red papal shoes.
His “Fisherman’s Ring”, the special signet ring which contains the pope’s name and is used to make impressions to validate certain official documents will be destroyed along with the lead seal of the pontificate.
Benedict is due to return to Rome in April to live in a convent within the Vatican.
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