Pope Benedict XVI To Address Huge Crowd

Pope Benedict XVI To Address Huge Crowd

A sizeable crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Square to listen to the last public statements of Pope Benedict XVI prior to his resignation. Around 50,000 tickets were released for the last general audience of the pope although more were expected to see the momentous event in person.

Some of the faithful were lucky enough to get seats as the Popemobile drives the pope around the square before he speaks at a balcony.

Many will stay outside the square as they hope to see the pope in person. The selection of the next pope will overshadow the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. Some pilgrims have travelled to Rome just to become a part of the occasion. Instead of giving his personal greetings to the faithful after the occasion, the pope will meet a number of groups of heads of states at the Vatican City.

The 1.2 billion Catholics around the world were stunned by the announced of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. After the resignation becomes official, over 100 cardinals will converge in Rome to select the next pope in a conclave. The pope is set to meet the cardinals before he will travel to the summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

The pope will retain the Benedict XVI title and will still be referred to as “his holiness” after the resignation becomes official. He will also be given the title “Pope emeritus” or “Pontiff emeritus.” He is also expected to dedicate the rest of his life to study and prayer.

Pope Benedict XVI is not expected to delay the selection of the next pope after his resignation. The successor is expected to deal with a number of issues that have plagued the Church in recent years.

The Fisherman’s Ring will be destroyed together with the papal seal of Pope Benedict XVI once his resignation becomes official.

Posted by James Fried on Wednesday February 27 2013, 12:05 PM EST. Ref: CNN. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0