Catholic followers emotional as Pope bids farewell
- 11 years ago
This may be Pope Benedict XVI's last ride on the famous pope mobile - just one day before the pontiff resigns from his post.
Benedict on Wednesday gave his final general audience as pope - and an estimated 150,000 pilgrims crammed into St. Peter's Square to bid him farewell.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN SEMINARIAN, CHRISTOPHER CURTIS FROM CHICAGO WHO IS STUDYING IN ROME:
"I think it was very emotional, you had a lot of people that were very much excited to see the Holy Father and to thank him for his eight years as pope. But then I also looked around and I saw some very sad faces, people that were really affected by this man's ministry and who really saw this man as a man of God."
This follower says she will remember this moment until she dies.
Cardinals of the Church, who will elect the next pope, were also among those attending Benedict's farewell.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN CARDINAL, DONAL WILLIAM WUERL:
"Wasn't it beautiful to see so many people from all over the world just cheering and showing their affection and love for the Holy Father?"
Benedict will on Thursday become the first Catholic pope in over 600 years to resign from the post.
Benedict on Wednesday gave his final general audience as pope - and an estimated 150,000 pilgrims crammed into St. Peter's Square to bid him farewell.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN SEMINARIAN, CHRISTOPHER CURTIS FROM CHICAGO WHO IS STUDYING IN ROME:
"I think it was very emotional, you had a lot of people that were very much excited to see the Holy Father and to thank him for his eight years as pope. But then I also looked around and I saw some very sad faces, people that were really affected by this man's ministry and who really saw this man as a man of God."
This follower says she will remember this moment until she dies.
Cardinals of the Church, who will elect the next pope, were also among those attending Benedict's farewell.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN CARDINAL, DONAL WILLIAM WUERL:
"Wasn't it beautiful to see so many people from all over the world just cheering and showing their affection and love for the Holy Father?"
Benedict will on Thursday become the first Catholic pope in over 600 years to resign from the post.