Standing at the balcony looking into the small square at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict’s final words were very simple and full of gratitude:
“Thank you, thank you from my heart. I am happy to be here with you, surrounded by the beauty of Creation and your friendship that does me so much good, thank you for your friendship, for caring.
You know that today is different from others… as of eight pm I will no longer be the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. I will simply be a pilgrim who is beginning the last part of his pilgrimage on earth.
But with my heart, my love, my prayer, with all my interior strength, I will work for the common good and the good of the Church and all humanity.
And I feel greatly supported by your affection. Let us move forward together with the Lord for the good of the Church and the world.
I will now impart upon you all my Apostolic Blessing
Thank you and good night. Thank you all”
—
Papa Benedetto, ti Ringrazio! Pope Benedict, thank you!
And may the Lord continue to allow you to be a blessing to us all!
nunspeak 