Pope Benedict bids farewell to cardinals
- 11 years ago
Pope Benedict sits with the cardinals of the Catholic Church for the last time before his resignation.
The pontiff steps down on Thursday, leaving the cardinals to choose his successor.
In his farewell speech Benedict pledged his unconditional reverence and obedience to the next pope.
He said he will pray for the cardinals so that God may guide them in their deliberations.
Benedict's meeting with the cardinals came just nine hours before his resignation, leaving the 2000 year old post vacant.
The cardinals - who have assembled from around the world - will hold their first meeting about electing a new pope on Friday.
But a decision about when the cardinals should enter the Sistine Chapel for voting may not come until next week.
The pontiff steps down on Thursday, leaving the cardinals to choose his successor.
In his farewell speech Benedict pledged his unconditional reverence and obedience to the next pope.
He said he will pray for the cardinals so that God may guide them in their deliberations.
Benedict's meeting with the cardinals came just nine hours before his resignation, leaving the 2000 year old post vacant.
The cardinals - who have assembled from around the world - will hold their first meeting about electing a new pope on Friday.
But a decision about when the cardinals should enter the Sistine Chapel for voting may not come until next week.