The Pope's Last Public Audience BBC News Special

Hello and welcome to St Peter's Hello and welcome to St Peter's

Hello and welcome to St Peter's Square on a bright, clear, sunny

Square on a bright, clear, sunny Square on a bright, clear, sunny

February morning. For this BBC News February morning. For this BBC News

February morning. For this BBC News Special with us. The word historic

Special with us. The word historic Special with us. The word historic

Special with us. The word historic is much of the used but today, it

is much of the used but today, it is much of the used but today, it

is much of the used but today, it is apt, because for the first time

is apt, because for the first time is apt, because for the first time

is apt, because for the first time in 600 years, a Pope has chosen to

in 600 years, a Pope has chosen to in 600 years, a Pope has chosen to

abdicate, and on this, the abdicate, and on this, the

abdicate, and on this, the penultimate day of his papacy, Pope

penultimate day of his papacy, Pope penultimate day of his papacy, Pope

penultimate day of his papacy, Pope Benedict the 16th will come here to

Benedict the 16th will come here to Benedict the 16th will come here to

St Peter's Square for his final St Peter's Square for his final

St Peter's Square for his final general audience before packing up

general audience before packing up general audience before packing up

general audience before packing up his possessions and going to lead a

his possessions and going to lead a his possessions and going to lead a

his possessions and going to lead a life of meditation and prayer. In a

life of meditation and prayer. In a life of meditation and prayer. In a

small former convent behind us here, small former convent behind us here,

small former convent behind us here, in the grounds of the Vatican.

in the grounds of the Vatican. in the grounds of the Vatican.

20,000 people have gathered, as you 20,000 people have gathered, as you

20,000 people have gathered, as you 20,000 people have gathered, as you

can see. Not to mourn, but to can see. Not to mourn, but to

can see. Not to mourn, but to can see. Not to mourn, but to

celebrate the life of the papacy of celebrate the life of the papacy of

celebrate the life of the papacy of Pope Benedict the 16th, and people

Pope Benedict the 16th, and people Pope Benedict the 16th, and people

have been flocking into St Peter's have been flocking into St Peter's

have been flocking into St Peter's Square throughout the morning to

Square throughout the morning to Square throughout the morning to

witness this historic day. During witness this historic day. During

witness this historic day. During the course of this special

the course of this special the course of this special

programme, we will consider his programme, we will consider his

programme, we will consider his legacy and the wider questions

legacy and the wider questions legacy and the wider questions

facing his successor. But there facing his successor. But there

facing his successor. But there facing his successor. But there

egos, at the time of his choosing. egos, at the time of his choosing.

egos, at the time of his choosing. Perhaps less so a manner consistent

Perhaps less so a manner consistent Perhaps less so a manner consistent

with this troubled period for the with this troubled period for the

with this troubled period for the Catholic Church. There has been a

Catholic Church. There has been a Catholic Church. There has been a

swirl of rumour and intrigue about swirl of rumour and intrigue about

swirl of rumour and intrigue about swirl of rumour and intrigue about

what lay behind his decision to go what lay behind his decision to go

what lay behind his decision to go what lay behind his decision to go

now, if nothing more than just that now, if nothing more than just that

now, if nothing more than just that now, if nothing more than just that

he feels old, tired and weak. I am he feels old, tired and weak. I am

he feels old, tired and weak. I am he feels old, tired and weak. I am

joined by it roared Strange and by joined by it roared Strange and by

joined by it roared Strange and by Robert Pickett. Thank you do both

Robert Pickett. Thank you do both Robert Pickett. Thank you do both

Robert Pickett. Thank you do both of you. It is just worth reflecting,

of you. It is just worth reflecting, of you. It is just worth reflecting,

of you. It is just worth reflecting, that nobody has ever seen this, the

that nobody has ever seen this, the that nobody has ever seen this, the

Pope choosing his moment for Pope choosing his moment for

Pope choosing his moment for Pope choosing his moment for

departure? As you say, it is a departure? As you say, it is a

departure? As you say, it is a historic day, using that word

historic day, using that word historic day, using that word

properly. Add in today, Jon, we properly. Add in today, Jon, we

properly. Add in today, Jon, we properly. Add in today, Jon, we

will see the Pope talk a bit about will see the Pope talk a bit about

will see the Pope talk a bit about will see the Pope talk a bit about

his decision to step down. -- I his decision to step down. -- I

his decision to step down. -- I his decision to step down. -- I

think. A little about his belief in think. A little about his belief in

think. A little about his belief in the Church being guided by Jesus

the Church being guided by Jesus the Church being guided by Jesus

the Church being guided by Jesus the Church being guided by Jesus

and not by a one man, -- and by one and not by a one man, -- and by one

and not by a one man, -- and by one and not by a one man, -- and by one

man, God. And there is no temple. man, God. And there is no temple.

man, God. And there is no temple. man, God. And there is no temple.

They have been working out as they They have been working out as they

They have been working out as they They have been working out as they

went along what to call him, even went along what to call him, even

went along what to call him, even went along what to call him, even

down to giving up his red shoes do down to giving up his red shoes do

down to giving up his red shoes do brown shoes, now he is stepping

brown shoes, now he is stepping brown shoes, now he is stepping

brown shoes, now he is stepping down. I think people have been very

down. I think people have been very down. I think people have been very

confused but at the same token, confused but at the same token,

confused but at the same token, there was a certain area of

there was a certain area of there was a certain area of

expectation that this sort of thing expectation that this sort of thing

expectation that this sort of thing might happen. So when people were

might happen. So when people were might happen. So when people were

saying at the announcement that saying at the announcement that

saying at the announcement that this is a complete surprise... Well,

this is a complete surprise... Well, this is a complete surprise... Well,

this is a complete surprise... Well, of course it was, people were taken

of course it was, people were taken of course it was, people were taken

of course it was, people were taken by surprise but I don't think they

by surprise but I don't think they were necessarily surprised. And

were necessarily surprised. And were necessarily surprised. And

were necessarily surprised. And those of us who we here at the

those of us who we here at the those of us who we here at the

beginning of this century in the beginning of this century in the

beginning of this century in the beginning of this century in the

time when Pope John Paul was so ill, time when Pope John Paul was so ill,

time when Pope John Paul was so ill, people than talked about, hasn't

people than talked about, hasn't people than talked about, hasn't

people than talked about, hasn't the time come for him to resign? To

the time come for him to resign? To the time come for him to resign? To

the time come for him to resign? To give up? And of course, as Kedem or

give up? And of course, as Kedem or give up? And of course, as Kedem or

rap -- as Cardinal Ratzinger, he rap -- as Cardinal Ratzinger, he

rap -- as Cardinal Ratzinger, he rap -- as Cardinal Ratzinger, he

was very close to his office? was very close to his office?

was very close to his office? was very close to his office?

his people? He had a great desire his people? He had a great desire

his people? He had a great desire his people? He had a great desire

to be with his crowds and when he to be with his crowds and when he

to be with his crowds and when he to be with his crowds and when he

got old and sick, he seemed to draw got old and sick, he seemed to draw

got old and sick, he seemed to draw strength from these crowds. This is

strength from these crowds. This is strength from these crowds. This is

strength from these crowds. This is a chore for him. It is not so

a chore for him. It is not so a chore for him. It is not so

exciting for him. He prefers one- exciting for him. He prefers one-

on-one encounters and small on-one encounters and small

on-one encounters and small gatherings of people. So this is

gatherings of people. So this is gatherings of people. So this is

gatherings of people. So this is actually... I mean, he is a very

actually... I mean, he is a very actually... I mean, he is a very

actually... I mean, he is a very studious Pope. It is one of the

studious Pope. It is one of the studious Pope. It is one of the

things he has possibly felt his things he has possibly felt his

things he has possibly felt his things he has possibly felt his

most taxing on him, though. You can most taxing on him, though. You can

most taxing on him, though. You can see drew energy from the crowds.

see drew energy from the crowds. see drew energy from the crowds.

see drew energy from the crowds. Has that been a problem for the new

Has that been a problem for the new Has that been a problem for the new

Has that been a problem for the new Pope, that he has been a scholarly

Pope, that he has been a scholarly Pope, that he has been a scholarly

figure, who like to meditating? figure, who like to meditating?

figure, who like to meditating? figure, who like to meditating?

has been very much his own man. But has been very much his own man. But

has been very much his own man. But has been very much his own man. But

the point made that has been well the point made that has been well

the point made that has been well the point made that has been well

made is that when you met John Paul made is that when you met John Paul

made is that when you met John Paul made is that when you met John Paul

II, he tended to be looking over II, he tended to be looking over

II, he tended to be looking over your shoulder to the next person

your shoulder to the next person your shoulder to the next person

coming along. People sale of Pope coming along. People sale of Pope

coming along. People sale of Pope coming along. People sale of Pope

Benedict that when you have your 30 Benedict that when you have your 30

Benedict that when you have your 30 seconds with him, he is completely

seconds with him, he is completely seconds with him, he is completely

absorbed with you. -- people say. absorbed with you. -- people say.

absorbed with you. -- people say. absorbed with you. -- people say.

So if we are to talk about his So if we are to talk about his

So if we are to talk about his achievements, the scorecard, if you

achievements, the scorecard, if you achievements, the scorecard, if you

achievements, the scorecard, if you like, if one can do that, what

like, if one can do that, what like, if one can do that, what

like, if one can do that, what would you say? I think one of the

would you say? I think one of the would you say? I think one of the

would you say? I think one of the ways in which she would know it is

ways in which she would know it is ways in which she would know it is

ways in which she would know it is a shift here -- you will notice a

a shift here -- you will notice a a shift here -- you will notice a

a shift here -- you will notice a shift is the prayer and how we

shift is the prayer and how we shift is the prayer and how we

shift is the prayer and how we catch as part of the reaction we

catch as part of the reaction we catch as part of the reaction we

have been talking about, whereas have been talking about, whereas

have been talking about, whereas have been talking about, whereas

liturgy when John Paul was Pope was liturgy when John Paul was Pope was

liturgy when John Paul was Pope was liturgy when John Paul was Pope was

a great drama and the drama of the a great drama and the drama of the

a great drama and the drama of the liturgy is still there with Pope

liturgy is still there with Pope liturgy is still there with Pope

Benedict but there are moments of Benedict but there are moments of

prolonged silence, and people prolonged silence, and people

prolonged silence, and people prolonged silence, and people

saying, it is like being in a vast saying, it is like being in a vast

saying, it is like being in a vast parish church rather than, as you

parish church rather than, as you parish church rather than, as you

might expect, coming to a major might expect, coming to a major

might expect, coming to a major basilica with the Pope celebrating

basilica with the Pope celebrating basilica with the Pope celebrating

Mass. And the scholarship is Mass. And the scholarship is

Mass. And the scholarship is another. It is another profound,

another. It is another profound, considered scholarship that has

considered scholarship that has considered scholarship that has

considered scholarship that has been evident in his papacy. Has he

been evident in his papacy. Has he stripped the orthodoxy of

stripped the orthodoxy of stripped the orthodoxy of

Catholicism in a way? I think Catholicism in a way? I think

naturally Joseph Ratzinger came naturally Joseph Ratzinger came

naturally Joseph Ratzinger came naturally Joseph Ratzinger came

into this job as the head of the into this job as the head of the

into this job as the head of the congregation and the faith for two

congregation and the faith for two congregation and the faith for two

decades and obviously that is a decades and obviously that is a

decades and obviously that is a decades and obviously that is a

part of his legacy that has always part of his legacy that has always

part of his legacy that has always part of his legacy that has always

been with him but I think he is been with him but I think he is

been with him but I think he is right about the dreadfulness and a

right about the dreadfulness and a right about the dreadfulness and a

prayer itself - but in everything prayer itself - but in everything

prayer itself - but in everything prayer itself - but in everything

in the context of prayer. -- about in the context of prayer. -- about

in the context of prayer. -- about in the context of prayer. -- about

the whole of prev. When they bring the whole of prev. When they bring

the whole of prev. When they bring people together, they have these

people together, they have these people together, they have these

people together, they have these moments, and part of this is his

moments, and part of this is his moments, and part of this is his

intention or desire to bring back intention or desire to bring back

intention or desire to bring back the transcendent aspect in all

the transcendent aspect in all the transcendent aspect in all

the transcendent aspect in all human life. That is what I would

human life. That is what I would human life. That is what I would

human life. That is what I would say it is at the forefront of his

say it is at the forefront of his say it is at the forefront of his

ministry. But God back in the ministry. But God back in the

ministry. But God back in the equation. And human life and

equation. And human life and equation. And human life and

equation. And human life and society. If you have just joined us,

society. If you have just joined us, society. If you have just joined us,

we were expecting the Pope Tour we were expecting the Pope Tour

we were expecting the Pope Tour we were expecting the Pope Tour

rider at 9:30pm -- to arrive at rider at 9:30pm -- to arrive at

rider at 9:30pm -- to arrive at about 9:30am and we are hopefully

about 9:30am and we are hopefully about 9:30am and we are hopefully

getting close to him arriving on getting close to him arriving on

getting close to him arriving on his proverbial and driving through

his proverbial and driving through his proverbial and driving through

his proverbial and driving through the vast crowds of people that have

the vast crowds of people that have the vast crowds of people that have

gathered. -- is Popemobile. Vast gathered. -- is Popemobile. Vast

gathered. -- is Popemobile. Vast numbers of people have gathered

numbers of people have gathered numbers of people have gathered

numbers of people have gathered here in St Peter's Square on this

here in St Peter's Square on this here in St Peter's Square on this

bright, wonderful morning. Once he bright, wonderful morning. Once he

bright, wonderful morning. Once he bright, wonderful morning. Once he

gets into the square, we should be gets into the square, we should be

gets into the square, we should be gets into the square, we should be

able to go to clear idea of how able to go to clear idea of how

able to go to clear idea of how able to go to clear idea of how

this will unfold, but we expect him this will unfold, but we expect him

this will unfold, but we expect him to speak for something like 20

to speak for something like 20 to speak for something like 20

to speak for something like 20 minutes or so, and as we were

minutes or so, and as we were minutes or so, and as we were

minutes or so, and as we were hearing just a moment ago, we are

hearing just a moment ago, we are hearing just a moment ago, we are

expecting him to make some comments expecting him to make some comments

expecting him to make some comments about explanation of why he has

about explanation of why he has about explanation of why he has

chosen to go in this unprecedented chosen to go in this unprecedented

chosen to go in this unprecedented chosen to go in this unprecedented

manner in 600 years and what lies manner in 600 years and what lies

manner in 600 years and what lies manner in 600 years and what lies

behind it, and how put America has, behind it, and how put America has,

behind it, and how put America has, behind it, and how put America has,

as he will now become known, will as he will now become known, will

as he will now become known, will as he will now become known, will

about the rest of his days. -- Pope about the rest of his days. -- Pope

about the rest of his days. -- Pope emeritus. The cardinals will play a

emeritus. The cardinals will play a emeritus. The cardinals will play a

critical role in the coming days critical role in the coming days

critical role in the coming days and weeks when the conclave gets

and weeks when the conclave gets and weeks when the conclave gets

underway. Let's go into the crowd underway. Let's go into the crowd

underway. Let's go into the crowd underway. Let's go into the crowd

and dived into the throng of people, and dived into the throng of people,

and dived into the throng of people, the pilgrims who have gathered.

the pilgrims who have gathered. the pilgrims who have gathered.

Kathy is there. There's a feeling Kathy is there. There's a feeling

Kathy is there. There's a feeling of huge excitement here and

of huge excitement here and of huge excitement here and

everybody is waiting to see Pope everybody is waiting to see Pope

everybody is waiting to see Pope Benedict. This is his last

Benedict. This is his last Benedict. This is his last

appearance before he stands down. appearance before he stands down.

appearance before he stands down. The crowd know you will be

The crowd know you will be The crowd know you will be

The crowd know you will be appearing in his Pope the deal and

appearing in his Pope the deal and appearing in his Pope the deal and

appearing in his Pope the deal and they will be hoping to catch and Up

they will be hoping to catch and Up they will be hoping to catch and Up

Close and Personal glimpse of him. Close and Personal glimpse of him.

Close and Personal glimpse of him. -- Popemobile. This is the last

-- Popemobile. This is the last -- Popemobile. This is the last

-- Popemobile. This is the last time he will give a public address,

time he will give a public address, time he will give a public address,

time he will give a public address, time he will give a public address,

as we say, but it is the first time as we say, but it is the first time

as we say, but it is the first time as we say, but it is the first time

a Pope has stood down in 600 years. a Pope has stood down in 600 years.

a Pope has stood down in 600 years. A real feeling of history here.

A real feeling of history here. A real feeling of history here.

From Austria, Elizabeth and France. From Austria, Elizabeth and France.

From Austria, Elizabeth and France. From Austria, Elizabeth and France.

How are you feeling to be here at How are you feeling to be here at

How are you feeling to be here at this moment? It is great because

this moment? It is great because this moment? It is great because

this moment? It is great because there are so many people. And it is

there are so many people. And it is there are so many people. And it is

there are so many people. And it is the last time we can see the Pope

the last time we can see the Pope the last time we can see the Pope

in public, in a public appearance. in public, in a public appearance.

in public, in a public appearance. And it is just... Reflecting the

And it is just... Reflecting the And it is just... Reflecting the

feelings of great fence there. A feelings of great fence there. A

feelings of great fence there. A feelings of great fence there. A

lot of emotion in the crowd right lot of emotion in the crowd right

lot of emotion in the crowd right lot of emotion in the crowd right

now. -- feelings of thanks. As we now. -- feelings of thanks. As we

now. -- feelings of thanks. As we now. -- feelings of thanks. As we

can see, the putt Mobile is making can see, the putt Mobile is making

can see, the putt Mobile is making its way very gingerly through St

its way very gingerly through St its way very gingerly through St

Peter's Square. -- Pope. Can we Peter's Square. -- Pope. Can we

Peter's Square. -- Pope. Can we talk about the health of the

talk about the health of the talk about the health of the

Catholic Church as he prepares to Catholic Church as he prepares to

Catholic Church as he prepares to leave it? There are obviously major

leave it? There are obviously major leave it? There are obviously major

problems which have caught people's problems which have caught people's

attention, dramatic things, attention, dramatic things,

attention, dramatic things, particularly in these more recent

particularly in these more recent particularly in these more recent

particularly in these more recent days. The new Pope is going to have

days. The new Pope is going to have days. The new Pope is going to have

to pay attention to those things. to pay attention to those things.

to pay attention to those things. But there are also many aspects

But there are also many aspects But there are also many aspects

But there are also many aspects that are very healthy and you would

that are very healthy and you would that are very healthy and you would

that are very healthy and you would that are very healthy and you would

expect me to say that, but I do say expect me to say that, but I do say

expect me to say that, but I do say expect me to say that, but I do say

that. It is not just about the that. It is not just about the

problems that would capture problems that would capture

people's immediate attention. But people's immediate attention. But

people's immediate attention. But people's immediate attention. But

the ordinary life of the Church is the ordinary life of the Church is

the ordinary life of the Church is the ordinary life of the Church is

very healthy, I think. There we see very healthy, I think. There we see

very healthy, I think. There we see Pope Benedict XVI going among the

Pope Benedict XVI going among the Pope Benedict XVI going among the

Pope Benedict XVI going among the crowds, moving at a very slow pace,

crowds, moving at a very slow pace, crowds, moving at a very slow pace,

winding his way round through the winding his way round through the

winding his way round through the crowds, which have been kept back.

crowds, which have been kept back. crowds, which have been kept back.

Robert, watching these pictures as Robert, watching these pictures as

Robert, watching these pictures as Robert, watching these pictures as

Robert, watching these pictures as well with us. And you say he is not

well with us. And you say he is not well with us. And you say he is not

well with us. And you say he is not a man who draws strength from the

a man who draws strength from the a man who draws strength from the

a man who draws strength from the crowds but this must be for any

crowds but this must be for any crowds but this must be for any

body a moving occasion? What you body a moving occasion? What you

body a moving occasion? What you are doing here is so extraordinary?

are doing here is so extraordinary? are doing here is so extraordinary?

are doing here is so extraordinary? Today it is very special. To have

Today it is very special. To have Today it is very special. To have

the Vatican broadcasting live here the Vatican broadcasting live here

the Vatican broadcasting live here the Vatican broadcasting live here

in the square. The noise you can in the square. The noise you can

in the square. The noise you can hear in the background is quite

hear in the background is quite hear in the background is quite

different from normal. It is a different from normal. It is a

different from normal. It is a particular event, the final time

particular event, the final time particular event, the final time

Pope Benedict XVI will be before Pope Benedict XVI will be before

Pope Benedict XVI will be before Pope Benedict XVI will be before

large crowds of people. He will go large crowds of people. He will go

large crowds of people. He will go large crowds of people. He will go

into prayer now. He has been a into prayer now. He has been a

into prayer now. He has been a private person living a cloistered

private person living a cloistered private person living a cloistered

private person living a cloistered life, so this is the grand finale

life, so this is the grand finale life, so this is the grand finale

life, so this is the grand finale and we have lots of dignitaries and

and we have lots of dignitaries and and we have lots of dignitaries and

and we have lots of dignitaries and others who have come out to sea and.

others who have come out to sea and. others who have come out to sea and.

others who have come out to sea and. A cloistered life, yes, but he will

A cloistered life, yes, but he will A cloistered life, yes, but he will

A cloistered life, yes, but he will still be in the grounds of the

still be in the grounds of the still be in the grounds of the

still be in the grounds of the Vatican? I think this is a man who

Vatican? I think this is a man who Vatican? I think this is a man who

Vatican? I think this is a man who has a great sense of his own

has a great sense of his own has a great sense of his own

has a great sense of his own position as Pope and then as being

position as Pope and then as being position as Pope and then as being

Pope no longer. I have great Pope no longer. I have great

Pope no longer. I have great Pope no longer. I have great

confidence that he has a real sense confidence that he has a real sense

confidence that he has a real sense of, to use the expression, the

of, to use the expression, the of, to use the expression, the

proper boundaries, and he is not proper boundaries, and he is not

proper boundaries, and he is not going to be manipulating from the

going to be manipulating from the going to be manipulating from the

sidelines. I think one thing, Jon, sidelines. I think one thing, Jon,

sidelines. I think one thing, Jon, sidelines. I think one thing, Jon,

is that this is so extraordinary an is that this is so extraordinary an

is that this is so extraordinary an event that people are struggling to

event that people are struggling to event that people are struggling to

understand it and when we struggle understand it and when we struggle

understand it and when we struggle to understand something, we tend to

to understand something, we tend to to understand something, we tend to

wrench it back into our comfort wrench it back into our comfort

wrench it back into our comfort zone, into a familiar place, and

zone, into a familiar place, and zone, into a familiar place, and

perhaps in politics, in these perhaps in politics, in these

perhaps in politics, in these circumstances, you would expect a

circumstances, you would expect a circumstances, you would expect a

retired Prime Minister her to be retired Prime Minister her to be

retired Prime Minister her to be manipulating. We are not in that

manipulating. We are not in that manipulating. We are not in that

situation. We are in a unique situation. We are in a unique

situation. We are in a unique situation. We are in a unique

situation in the past 600 years and situation in the past 600 years and

situation in the past 600 years and other resignations have not been

other resignations have not been other resignations have not been

other resignations have not been like this. As we look at these

like this. As we look at these like this. As we look at these

pictures of him making his way pictures of him making his way

pictures of him making his way through the crowds, how much

through the crowds, how much through the crowds, how much

consternation has there been in the consternation has there been in the

consternation has there been in the Vatican over some newspaper reports

Vatican over some newspaper reports Vatican over some newspaper reports

of the intrigue going on and of the intrigue going on and

of the intrigue going on and of the intrigue going on and

whether it was down to this report whether it was down to this report

whether it was down to this report written by three former Cardinals

written by three former Cardinals written by three former Cardinals

written by three former Cardinals that led him to think, I have had

that led him to think, I have had that led him to think, I have had

that led him to think, I have had enough? I am sure that when you

enough? I am sure that when you enough? I am sure that when you

enough? I am sure that when you look, any man looking at his in-

look, any man looking at his in- look, any man looking at his in-

trade will have many thoughts. 110 trade will have many thoughts. 110

trade will have many thoughts. 110 trade will have many thoughts. 110

years ago, Leo the 13th had died at years ago, Leo the 13th had died at

years ago, Leo the 13th had died at years ago, Leo the 13th had died at

93. Let's put him aside. Has there 93. Let's put him aside. Has there

93. Let's put him aside. Has there been annulled a Pope than Benedict

been annulled a Pope than Benedict been annulled a Pope than Benedict

been annulled a Pope than Benedict XVI is today? -- and older Pope? He

XVI is today? -- and older Pope? He XVI is today? -- and older Pope? He

is perhaps the oldest Pope in is perhaps the oldest Pope in

is perhaps the oldest Pope in history, apart from that one

history, apart from that one history, apart from that one

history, apart from that one exceptional one. So it us gay man

exceptional one. So it us gay man exceptional one. So it us gay man

exceptional one. So it us gay man at 86 do be continuing, and also, -

at 86 do be continuing, and also, - at 86 do be continuing, and also, -

at 86 do be continuing, and also, - at 86 do be continuing, and also, -

at 86 do be continuing, and also, - - to ask a man at 86. And it is not

- to ask a man at 86. And it is not - to ask a man at 86. And it is not

just about something for himself just about something for himself

just about something for himself just about something for himself

personally, it is a service of the personally, it is a service of the

personally, it is a service of the personally, it is a service of the

Church. That is what he is seeking Church. That is what he is seeking

Church. That is what he is seeking to do, recognising the time has

to do, recognising the time has to do, recognising the time has

to do, recognising the time has come to step back, because it is

come to step back, because it is come to step back, because it is

more than something about him, it more than something about him, it

more than something about him, it is about the Catholic Church.

is about the Catholic Church. is about the Catholic Church.

is about the Catholic Church. you agree with that? Yes. I think

you agree with that? Yes. I think you agree with that? Yes. I think

you agree with that? Yes. I think he has had to make a very difficult

he has had to make a very difficult decision. Inside the Vatican,

decision. Inside the Vatican, collaborators are probably more

collaborators are probably more collaborators are probably more

bewildered by his decision than bewildered by his decision than

bewildered by his decision than some of the non-Catholic people.

some of the non-Catholic people. some of the non-Catholic people.

some of the non-Catholic people. Obviously it is not a governance or

Obviously it is not a governance or Obviously it is not a governance or

Obviously it is not a governance or a political party but it is a Cuban

a political party but it is a Cuban institution. And they are

institution. And they are institution. And they are

positioning for power? -- a human positioning for power? -- a human

institution. You remember somebody institution. You remember somebody

institution. You remember somebody institution. You remember somebody

like Nixon and how angry his aides like Nixon and how angry his aides

like Nixon and how angry his aides were because they had worked so

were because they had worked so were because they had worked so

were because they had worked so hard, and there is a bit of feeling

hard, and there is a bit of feeling hard, and there is a bit of feeling

hard, and there is a bit of feeling like that. A bit of resentment, in

like that. A bit of resentment, in like that. A bit of resentment, in

trying to understand that we go trying to understand that we go

trying to understand that we go into our comfort zone when

into our comfort zone when into our comfort zone when

decisions like this are made and decisions like this are made and

decisions like this are made and people are certainly wondering, has

people are certainly wondering, has people are certainly wondering, has

people are certainly wondering, has the job got too much for the putt,

the job got too much for the putt, the job got too much for the putt,

not just because the Ray Jones not just because the Ray Jones

not just because the Ray Jones frailties? -- the Pope. -- because

frailties? -- the Pope. -- because frailties? -- the Pope. -- because

frailties? -- the Pope. -- because of his age. And the chronicles of

of his age. And the chronicles of the infighting, the mismanagement,

the infighting, the mismanagement, the infighting, the mismanagement,

the infighting, the mismanagement, D jockeying for power that has been

D jockeying for power that has been D jockeying for power that has been

discovered and that people have discovered and that people have

discovered and that people have discovered and that people have

always thought was part of this, at always thought was part of this, at

always thought was part of this, at least in some parts. Some think

least in some parts. Some think least in some parts. Some think

that maybe this was one extra that maybe this was one extra

that maybe this was one extra that maybe this was one extra

weight. Maybe not the cause but an One of his strengths has not been

One of his strengths has not been One of his strengths has not been

as administrator, and ABS as these as administrator, and ABS as these

as administrator, and ABS as these issues became clearer and heavier,

issues became clearer and heavier, issues became clearer and heavier,

and as his own strength declined, and as his own strength declined,

and as his own strength declined, the good of the Church needs

the good of the Church needs the good of the Church needs

the good of the Church needs somebody else to do this. We spoke

somebody else to do this. We spoke somebody else to do this. We spoke

somebody else to do this. We spoke about his great age, 78 or 79 when

about his great age, 78 or 79 when about his great age, 78 or 79 when

about his great age, 78 or 79 when he was elected. He was the almost

he was elected. He was the almost he was elected. He was the almost

he was elected. He was the almost going to be seen as an interim Pope.

going to be seen as an interim Pope. going to be seen as an interim Pope.

going to be seen as an interim Pope. John Paul II, this great figure, in

John Paul II, this great figure, in John Paul II, this great figure, in

John Paul II, this great figure, in terms of the wider 1 billion plus

terms of the wider 1 billion plus Catholic community. Pope Benedict

Catholic community. Pope Benedict Catholic community. Pope Benedict

Catholic community. Pope Benedict was always going to be seen as

was always going to be seen as was always going to be seen as

someone interim, short term, until someone interim, short term, until

someone interim, short term, until someone interim, short term, until

we get to the next big figure. we get to the next big figure.

we get to the next big figure. we get to the next big figure.

think he saw it like that. He said, think he saw it like that. He said,

think he saw it like that. He said, my short pontificate, in the early

my short pontificate, in the early my short pontificate, in the early

my short pontificate, in the early days after his election, as we will

days after his election, as we will days after his election, as we will

both remember, Robert and I. But, both remember, Robert and I. But,

both remember, Robert and I. But, both remember, Robert and I. But,

of course, he has lived on, and of course, he has lived on, and

of course, he has lived on, and that is wonderful. Of course, one

that is wonderful. Of course, one that is wonderful. Of course, one

that is wonderful. Of course, one of the things, if you elect an old

of the things, if you elect an old of the things, if you elect an old

man as Pope, then naturally you man as Pope, then naturally you

man as Pope, then naturally you man as Pope, then naturally you

will support him, and so you put a will support him, and so you put a

will support him, and so you put a will support him, and so you put a

group of people around him who will group of people around him who will

group of people around him who will group of people around him who will

help them and assist in, doing the help them and assist in, doing the

help them and assist in, doing the help them and assist in, doing the

work that he is meant to do. Some work that he is meant to do. Some

work that he is meant to do. Some work that he is meant to do. Some

people would say that that has been people would say that that has been

people would say that that has been too small a circle. Understandably,

too small a circle. Understandably, too small a circle. Understandably,

too small a circle. Understandably, too small a circle. Understandably,

if you have got a man of 81, he is if you have got a man of 81, he is

if you have got a man of 81, he is if you have got a man of 81, he is

going to want to be with people who going to want to be with people who

going to want to be with people who going to want to be with people who

he finds it easy to work with so he finds it easy to work with so

he finds it easy to work with so he finds it easy to work with so

that he can fulfil the task. There that he can fulfil the task. There

that he can fulfil the task. There that he can fulfil the task. There

can be a downside to that, that can be a downside to that, that

can be a downside to that, that there is kind of proper criticism

there is kind of proper criticism there is kind of proper criticism

that will not necessarily come that will not necessarily come

that will not necessarily come that will not necessarily come

through. If I can just pick up on through. If I can just pick up on

through. If I can just pick up on that, when he took the name

that, when he took the name Benedict, the previous Benedict

Benedict, the previous Benedict Benedict, the previous Benedict

lasted only seven years, that was lasted only seven years, that was

lasted only seven years, that was lasted only seven years, that was

one of the reasons he took the name, one of the reasons he took the name,

one of the reasons he took the name, because he spoke of his brief

because he spoke of his brief pontificate. The thing about

pontificate. The thing about pontificate. The thing about

governance, one of the real governance, one of the real

governance, one of the real detriment to this pontificate, if

detriment to this pontificate, if detriment to this pontificate, if

detriment to this pontificate, if you can call it that, one of the

you can call it that, one of the you can call it that, one of the

shortcomings, being a bishop in the shortcomings, being a bishop in the

shortcomings, being a bishop in the church means governing. And this is

church means governing. And this is church means governing. And this is

one of the great criticisms of one of the great criticisms of

one of the great criticisms of Joseph Ratzinger as Bishop of

Joseph Ratzinger as Bishop of Joseph Ratzinger as Bishop of

Munich and Bishop of Rome. You Munich and Bishop of Rome. You

Munich and Bishop of Rome. You cannot have disdain for that. This

cannot have disdain for that. This cannot have disdain for that. This

has bothered some people within the has bothered some people within the

has bothered some people within the Vatican. He made no provisions for

Vatican. He made no provisions for Vatican. He made no provisions for

Vatican. He made no provisions for his leaving. He has let them in a

his leaving. He has let them in a his leaving. He has let them in a

his leaving. He has let them in a bit of a stake. Only the Pope can

bit of a stake. Only the Pope can bit of a stake. Only the Pope can

set the rules of the interregnum, set the rules of the interregnum,

set the rules of the interregnum, set the rules of the interregnum,

the rules for the conclave, and he the rules for the conclave, and he

the rules for the conclave, and he resigned without doing that. They

resigned without doing that. They resigned without doing that. They

had to cobble together laws, three had to cobble together laws, three

had to cobble together laws, three had to cobble together laws, three

days ago. He has just stopped to days ago. He has just stopped to

days ago. He has just stopped to days ago. He has just stopped to

bless a child that has come out bless a child that has come out

bless a child that has come out bless a child that has come out

from the audience. I should say, or from the audience. I should say, or

from the audience. I should say, or from the audience. I should say, or

those of you who know St Peter's those of you who know St Peter's

those of you who know St Peter's Square, it is pretty impressive, a

Square, it is pretty impressive, a Square, it is pretty impressive, a

big place, but Pope Benedict is big place, but Pope Benedict is

big place, but Pope Benedict is going on a fairly circuitous route

going on a fairly circuitous route going on a fairly circuitous route

around the square so that everyone around the square so that everyone

around the square so that everyone can have their chance. And there

can have their chance. And there can have their chance. And there

can have their chance. And there you see some of the Cardinals who

you see some of the Cardinals who you see some of the Cardinals who

are gathered, some of those who are gathered, some of those who

are gathered, some of those who are gathered, some of those who

will be in the conclave after the will be in the conclave after the

will be in the conclave after the congregation has taken place which

congregation has taken place which congregation has taken place which

will set the timetable for the will set the timetable for the

will set the timetable for the conclave to begin, which we expect

conclave to begin, which we expect conclave to begin, which we expect

conclave to begin, which we expect conclave to begin, which we expect

in the next 10 days or so, when a in the next 10 days or so, when a

in the next 10 days or so, when a successor to Pope Benedict will be

successor to Pope Benedict will be successor to Pope Benedict will be

chosen. Now we see the Popemobile chosen. Now we see the Popemobile

chosen. Now we see the Popemobile chosen. Now we see the Popemobile

just on its final few yards. And we just on its final few yards. And we

just on its final few yards. And we just on its final few yards. And we

just on its final few yards. And we see it now going up to the front of

see it now going up to the front of see it now going up to the front of

the basilica. The general audience the basilica. The general audience

the basilica. The general audience the basilica. The general audience

will get under way. Robert, just in will get under way. Robert, just in

will get under way. Robert, just in terms of the people here, a

terms of the people here, a surprising number? Absolutely, this

surprising number? Absolutely, this surprising number? Absolutely, this

surprising number? Absolutely, this is a special event. This is a much

is a special event. This is a much is a special event. This is a much

larger crowd than would normally larger crowd than would normally

larger crowd than would normally come to a general audience.

come to a general audience. come to a general audience.

would normally be held inside. would normally be held inside.

would normally be held inside. there is a special audience hall

there is a special audience hall there is a special audience hall

which was built under Pope Paul, which was built under Pope Paul,

which was built under Pope Paul, the audience for, and when the

the audience for, and when the the audience for, and when the

the audience for, and when the weather is good it is outside, in

weather is good it is outside, in weather is good it is outside, in

weather is good it is outside, in colder months it is inside the wall.

colder months it is inside the wall. colder months it is inside the wall.

For bigger events, in the glorious For bigger events, in the glorious

For bigger events, in the glorious St Peter's Square, under that blue

St Peter's Square, under that blue St Peter's Square, under that blue

Roman sky, the weather is really Roman sky, the weather is really

co-operating with these events co-operating with these events

co-operating with these events co-operating with these events

today. And it is the most wonderful, today. And it is the most wonderful,

today. And it is the most wonderful, today. And it is the most wonderful,

Chris morning here in Rome today. - Chris morning here in Rome today. -

Chris morning here in Rome today. - - crisp. Probably a couple of

- crisp. Probably a couple of hundred thousand people. Monsignor,

hundred thousand people. Monsignor, hundred thousand people. Monsignor,

are you good at guessing crowd are you good at guessing crowd

are you good at guessing crowd numbers? No, there are no awful

numbers? No, there are no awful numbers? No, there are no awful

lot! I know that some universities lot! I know that some universities

lot! I know that some universities have cancelled lectures. Where I am

have cancelled lectures. Where I am have cancelled lectures. Where I am

rector, we have lectures in houses, rector, we have lectures in houses,

rector, we have lectures in houses, but the students said they wanted

but the students said they wanted but the students said they wanted

but the students said they wanted to be at the audience. We cancelled

to be at the audience. We cancelled It looks as though the general

It looks as though the general It looks as though the general

audiences now getting under way as audiences now getting under way as

audiences now getting under way as audiences now getting under way as

Pope Benedict stands, and a wave of Pope Benedict stands, and a wave of

Pope Benedict stands, and a wave of applause courses through St Peter's

applause courses through St Peter's applause courses through St Peter's

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 52 seconds

TRANSLATION: We have heard that you TRANSLATION: We have heard that you

TRANSLATION: We have heard that you believe in Jesus Christ and that

believe in Jesus Christ and that believe in Jesus Christ and that

you are tractable taught all the you are tractable taught all the

you are tractable taught all the signs, or given all the heavens.

signs, or given all the heavens. signs, or given all the heavens.

signs, or given all the heavens. You really heard of it through the

And this develops the same way that And this develops the same way that

And this develops the same way that it develops within you, this faith,

it develops within you, this faith, it develops within you, this faith,

it develops within you, this faith, since you came to see the grace of

JON SOPEL: They will go through a JON SOPEL: They will go through a

JON SOPEL: They will go through a variety of languages to talk about

variety of languages to talk about variety of languages to talk about

variety of languages to talk about what is happening, and then we will

what is happening, and then we will what is happening, and then we will

get to the papal address itself, get to the papal address itself,

get to the papal address itself, get to the papal address itself,

which will be in Italian, which we which will be in Italian, which we

which will be in Italian, which we will translate for you, and it

will translate for you, and it will translate for you, and it

will translate for you, and it might last up to 20 minutes. Those

might last up to 20 minutes. Those might last up to 20 minutes. Those

might last up to 20 minutes. Those are the final words that we will

are the final words that we will are the final words that we will

are the final words that we will hear from the Pope, and then the Al

hear from the Pope, and then the Al hear from the Pope, and then the Al

hear from the Pope, and then the Al father will be sung in Latin. And

father will be sung in Latin. And father will be sung in Latin. And

father will be sung in Latin. And then a brief part of the Pope's

then a brief part of the Pope's then a brief part of the Pope's

speech will be translated into a speech will be translated into a

speech will be translated into a number of different languages, we

number of different languages, we number of different languages, we

will get a short couple of will get a short couple of

will get a short couple of sentences from him. At the moment

sentences from him. At the moment sentences from him. At the moment

they are going through the short they are going through the short

they are going through the short prayer from the Bible reading which

prayer from the Bible reading which prayer from the Bible reading which

prayer from the Bible reading which will take place in a number of

will take place in a number of will take place in a number of

languages, and now in English. languages, and now in English.

languages, and now in English. languages, and now in English.

A reading from the letter of St A reading from the letter of St

A reading from the letter of St Paul's. We always thank God the

Paul's. We always thank God the Paul's. We always thank God the

Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ,

Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ,

when we pray for you, because we when we pray for you, because we

when we pray for you, because we when we pray for you, because we

have heard of your faith in Christ have heard of your faith in Christ

have heard of your faith in Christ have heard of your faith in Christ

Jesus and of the love which you Jesus and of the love which you

Jesus and of the love which you Jesus and of the love which you

have for all the saints, because of have for all the saints, because of

have for all the saints, because of have for all the saints, because of

the hope laid out for you in heaven. the hope laid out for you in heaven.

the hope laid out for you in heaven. the hope laid out for you in heaven.

Of this you have heard before in Of this you have heard before in

Of this you have heard before in Of this you have heard before in

the words of the truth, the Gospel the words of the truth, the Gospel

the words of the truth, the Gospel the words of the truth, the Gospel

which has come to you, as indeed in which has come to you, as indeed in

which has come to you, as indeed in which has come to you, as indeed in

the whole world it is bearing fruit the whole world it is bearing fruit

the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing, so among yourselves

and growing, so among yourselves and growing, so among yourselves

from the day you heard and from the day you heard and

from the day you heard and understood the grace of God in

understood the grace of God in understood the grace of God in

It will be read in a number of It will be read in a number of

It will be read in a number of other languages, we have had Fred,

other languages, we have had Fred, other languages, we have had Fred,

English, and we will have chairman, English, and we will have chairman,

English, and we will have chairman, Spanish, and Portuguese. -- German.

Spanish, and Portuguese. -- German. Spanish, and Portuguese. -- German.

Spanish, and Portuguese. -- German. And of course reaching out to the

And of course reaching out to the large communities of Catholics

large communities of Catholics large communities of Catholics

around the world. With me year, around the world. With me year,

around the world. With me year, Monsignor Roderick Strange And Our

Monsignor Roderick Strange And Our Vatican correspondent, Robert

Vatican correspondent, Robert Vatican correspondent, Robert

Vatican correspondent, Robert Pigott. I will just carry on, the

Pigott. I will just carry on, the Pigott. I will just carry on, the

Pigott. I will just carry on, the same prayer is being repeated in a

same prayer is being repeated in a same prayer is being repeated in a

number of different languages. Just number of different languages. Just

number of different languages. Just number of different languages. Just

take us through, what is the form take us through, what is the form

take us through, what is the form of the speech that the Pope

of the speech that the Pope of the speech that the Pope

of the speech that the Pope delivers? Is it a reflection on the

delivers? Is it a reflection on the delivers? Is it a reflection on the

Bible? Today it is different. Bible? Today it is different.

Bible? Today it is different. Bible? Today it is different.

Normally the Pope gives a lesson, a Normally the Pope gives a lesson, a

Normally the Pope gives a lesson, a Normally the Pope gives a lesson, a

cat to cases, and that lesson that cat to cases, and that lesson that

cat to cases, and that lesson that cat to cases, and that lesson that

is spoken in the square is put down is spoken in the square is put down

is spoken in the square is put down is spoken in the square is put down

in writing for all time, and that in writing for all time, and that

in writing for all time, and that is the teaching of Pope Benedict

is the teaching of Pope Benedict is the teaching of Pope Benedict

is the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI. Today is going to be very

XVI. Today is going to be very XVI. Today is going to be very

different, because this is his last different, because this is his last

different, because this is his last public gathering ever as Pope, and

public gathering ever as Pope, and public gathering ever as Pope, and

public gathering ever as Pope, and so we expect him to talk more about

so we expect him to talk more about so we expect him to talk more about

so we expect him to talk more about the decision that he has made, how

the decision that he has made, how the decision that he has made, how

the decision that he has made, how he has come to that decision, and I

he has come to that decision, and I he has come to that decision, and I

he has come to that decision, and I he has come to that decision, and I

think we are going to get more of a think we are going to get more of a

think we are going to get more of a think we are going to get more of a

glimpse of his own love for the glimpse of his own love for the

glimpse of his own love for the glimpse of his own love for the

Church and the people that are part Church and the people that are part

Church and the people that are part of this worldwide Church. And as

of this worldwide Church. And as of this worldwide Church. And as

always, Pope Benedict is a very always, Pope Benedict is a very

always, Pope Benedict is a very always, Pope Benedict is a very

grateful person, so I think he will grateful person, so I think he will

grateful person, so I think he will grateful person, so I think he will

have words of thanks for this vast have words of thanks for this vast

have words of thanks for this vast have words of thanks for this vast

crowd of people, many of whom are crowd of people, many of whom are

crowd of people, many of whom are dignitaries, as well as the

dignitaries, as well as the dignitaries, as well as the

faithful from around Italy. faithful from around Italy.

faithful from around Italy. although there are VIPs here today,

although there are VIPs here today, although there are VIPs here today,

although there are VIPs here today, although there are VIPs here today,

he did not want this to be a huge he did not want this to be a huge

he did not want this to be a huge gathering of world leaders, did he?

gathering of world leaders, did he? gathering of world leaders, did he?

gathering of world leaders, did he? I was fascinated, I saw it on

I was fascinated, I saw it on I was fascinated, I saw it on

television, I was not here on television, I was not here on

television, I was not here on Sunday for the Angelus. Although

Sunday for the Angelus. Although Sunday for the Angelus. Although

there was reference to this being there was reference to this being

there was reference to this being the last Angela's and dedicated to

the last Angela's and dedicated to the last Angela's and dedicated to

prayer and meditation and going up prayer and meditation and going up

the mountain, the Transfiguration, the mountain, the Transfiguration,

the mountain, the Transfiguration, the mountain, the Transfiguration,

it was just like a normal Angelus. it was just like a normal Angelus.

it was just like a normal Angelus. After 15 minutes, he went inside,

After 15 minutes, he went inside, After 15 minutes, he went inside,

After 15 minutes, he went inside, and that is typical of the man.

and that is typical of the man. and that is typical of the man.

Although there are some special Although there are some special

Although there are some special things today, like there is going

things today, like there is going things today, like there is going

things today, like there is going to be another two of the square in

to be another two of the square in to be another two of the square in

the Popemobile at the end, I the Popemobile at the end, I

the Popemobile at the end, I believe, besides the one when he

believe, besides the one when he believe, besides the one when he

came in, but essentially it is came in, but essentially it is

came in, but essentially it is came in, but essentially it is

going to be like a normal audience, going to be like a normal audience,

going to be like a normal audience, except, as Roberts says, we expect

except, as Roberts says, we expect except, as Roberts says, we expect

him to talk about his own him to talk about his own

him to talk about his own circumstances and reflect on his

circumstances and reflect on his resignation. Realistically, once he

resignation. Realistically, once he resignation. Realistically, once he

made the announcement, there was made the announcement, there was

very little additional narrative very little additional narrative

very little additional narrative provided. That is true, and again,

provided. That is true, and again, provided. That is true, and again,

as was said before, people should as was said before, people should

as was said before, people should as was said before, people should

not far been surprised that he step not far been surprised that he step

not far been surprised that he step down. We talked about this before.

down. We talked about this before. down. We talked about this before.

down. We talked about this before. The surprise came in the timing. As

The surprise came in the timing. As The surprise came in the timing. As

I said before, his closest I said before, his closest

I said before, his closest collaborators, people work here in

collaborators, people work here in collaborators, people work here in

the bureaucracy, they thought that, the bureaucracy, they thought that,

the bureaucracy, they thought that, yes, he would resign, but probably

yes, he would resign, but probably yes, he would resign, but probably

yes, he would resign, but probably yes, he would resign, but probably

if he had a stroke or if there was if he had a stroke or if there was

if he had a stroke or if there was some physical disability. He has

some physical disability. He has some physical disability. He has

moved slowly but he is extremely moved slowly but he is extremely

moved slowly but he is extremely lucid. Right after he announced his

lucid. Right after he announced his lucid. Right after he announced his

resignation, he gave a 45 minutes' resignation, he gave a 45 minutes'

resignation, he gave a 45 minutes' resignation, he gave a 45 minutes'

talk to priests in the diocese of talk to priests in the diocese of

talk to priests in the diocese of Rome, and it was extremely detailed,

Rome, and it was extremely detailed, Rome, and it was extremely detailed,

structured, as his thoughts are. structured, as his thoughts are.

structured, as his thoughts are. there had been some physical

there had been some physical there had been some physical

incapacity, they could have been incapacity, they could have been

incapacity, they could have been people saying, but did he really

people saying, but did he really people saying, but did he really

need to resign? Is it somebody need to resign? Is it somebody

need to resign? Is it somebody need to resign? Is it somebody

taking advantage of a bout of ill- taking advantage of a bout of ill-

taking advantage of a bout of ill- health? You cannot say that, though.

health? You cannot say that, though. health? You cannot say that, though.

This man, in terms of his This man, in terms of his

intellectual capacity and certain intellectual capacity and certain

intellectual capacity and certain physical strength, he is capable

physical strength, he is capable physical strength, he is capable

and in full command of his and in full command of his

and in full command of his faculties. And so the freedom of

faculties. And so the freedom of faculties. And so the freedom of

the decision cannot be discussed. the decision cannot be discussed.

the decision cannot be discussed. That is essential for this historic

That is essential for this historic That is essential for this historic

step. Full command of his reasoning, step. Full command of his reasoning,

step. Full command of his reasoning, And also, the final days drag a

And also, the final days drag a And also, the final days drag a

doll, with intimate details of a doll, with intimate details of a

doll, with intimate details of a man's physical live for. -- the

man's physical live for. -- the man's physical live for. -- the

final days dragged on. There are final days dragged on. There are

final days dragged on. There are final days dragged on. There are

signs he is beginning to slip and signs he is beginning to slip and

signs he is beginning to slip and signs he is beginning to slip and

his speech is not as strong and I his speech is not as strong and I

his speech is not as strong and I his speech is not as strong and I

think that scared him. One aid in think that scared him. One aid in

think that scared him. One aid in think that scared him. One aid in

the Vatican told me he was very the Vatican told me he was very

the Vatican told me he was very shaken at Christmas time when his

shaken at Christmas time when his shaken at Christmas time when his

shaken at Christmas time when his older brother came to meet with him

older brother came to meet with him older brother came to meet with him

older brother came to meet with him and arrived in a wheelchair. He had

and arrived in a wheelchair. He had and arrived in a wheelchair. He had

never seen his brother in a never seen his brother in a

never seen his brother in a wheelchair and it shook him,

wheelchair and it shook him, wheelchair and it shook him,

wheelchair and it shook him, thinking, that could be me. He uses

thinking, that could be me. He uses thinking, that could be me. He uses

thinking, that could be me. He uses a stick now in private. Not much in

a stick now in private. Not much in a stick now in private. Not much in

a stick now in private. Not much in public. He is a very private person.

public. He is a very private person. public. He is a very private person.

public. He is a very private person. And I think seeing what happened to

And I think seeing what happened to And I think seeing what happened to

And I think seeing what happened to John Paul second, he did not want

John Paul second, he did not want John Paul second, he did not want

John Paul second, he did not want that to happen to him. Just coming

that to happen to him. Just coming that to happen to him. Just coming

that to happen to him. Just coming to the end of the prayers in a

to the end of the prayers in a to the end of the prayers in a

variety of different languages. We variety of different languages. We

variety of different languages. We variety of different languages. We

are in Polish now and then we will are in Polish now and then we will

are in Polish now and then we will are in Polish now and then we will

be on to... We go onto his speech, be on to... We go onto his speech,

be on to... We go onto his speech, which will be lengthier today than

which will be lengthier today than which will be lengthier today than

normal because of the circumstances. normal because of the circumstances.

normal because of the circumstances. normal because of the circumstances.

Again, it is his last appearance in Again, it is his last appearance in

Again, it is his last appearance in public, and what a crowd.

public, and what a crowd. public, and what a crowd.

Interestingly, the Pope has not got Interestingly, the Pope has not got

Interestingly, the Pope has not got Interestingly, the Pope has not got

close family. I mean, he has his close family. I mean, he has his

close family. I mean, he has his brother and his sister effectively

brother and his sister effectively brother and his sister effectively

brother and his sister effectively looked after him for a long time

looked after him for a long time looked after him for a long time

but there are no younger nephews but there are no younger nephews

but there are no younger nephews but there are no younger nephews

and nieces? No, there are just the and nieces? No, there are just the

and nieces? No, there are just the three of them. His brother is

three of them. His brother is three of them. His brother is

younger than him but they were younger than him but they were

younger than him but they were ordained as priests in the same

ordained as priests in the same ordained as priests in the same

ordained as priests in the same year. It was right after the war,

year. It was right after the war, year. It was right after the war,

year. It was right after the war, so they were ordained at the same

so they were ordained at the same so they were ordained at the same

so they were ordained at the same time. The sister lived here in Rome

time. The sister lived here in Rome time. The sister lived here in Rome

time. The sister lived here in Rome and died in 1991. They say he went

and died in 1991. They say he went and died in 1991. They say he went

into a great depression after the into a great depression after the

into a great depression after the into a great depression after the

death of his sister. He and his death of his sister. He and his

death of his sister. He and his brother are very, very close, so

brother are very, very close, so brother are very, very close, so

any kind of infirmity in his any kind of infirmity in his

I would like to thank you to be I would like to thank you to be

I would like to thank you to be TRANSLATION: Thank you from the

TRANSLATION: Thank you from the TRANSLATION: Thank you from the

bottom of my heart. I'm really bottom of my heart. I'm really

bottom of my heart. I'm really moved. You are keeping the church

moved. You are keeping the church moved. You are keeping the church

moved. You are keeping the church alive. We, too, Frank God for this

alive. We, too, Frank God for this As St Paul said, I feel in my heart

As St Paul said, I feel in my heart As St Paul said, I feel in my heart

As St Paul said, I feel in my heart that I need to thank God that

that I need to thank God that that I need to thank God that

guides the Church and develops it. guides the Church and develops it.

guides the Church and develops it. And feeds faith in his people.

And feeds faith in his people. And feeds faith in his people.

And feeds faith in his people. Right now, my soar is open to

Right now, my soar is open to Right now, my soar is open to

embrace the entire church. -- my embrace the entire church. -- my

embrace the entire church. -- my embrace the entire church. -- my

soul. And I would like to thank soul. And I would like to thank

soul. And I would like to thank everybody for the help I have

everybody for the help I have everybody for the help I have

received. And the charity that is received. And the charity that is

received. And the charity that is received. And the charity that is

inside the church and to make sure inside the church and to make sure

inside the church and to make sure inside the church and to make sure

the church lives in hope and love the church lives in hope and love

the church lives in hope and love the church lives in hope and love

the church lives in hope and love and to help us to open up to life.

and to help us to open up to life. and to help us to open up to life.

and to help us to open up to life. I would like to pray for every one.

I would like to pray for every one. I would like to pray for every one.

I would like to pray for every one. And during my visits and my trips,

And during my visits and my trips, And during my visits and my trips,

I have prayed with everybody and I have prayed with everybody and

I have prayed with everybody and I have prayed with everybody and

for everybody, so that we are fully for everybody, so that we are fully

for everybody, so that we are fully for everybody, so that we are fully

aware of God's will and I have aware of God's will and I have

aware of God's will and I have aware of God's will and I have

always parade so that we can behave always parade so that we can behave

always parade so that we can behave always parade so that we can behave

in a way that is dignified. A -- in a way that is dignified. A --

in a way that is dignified. A -- in a way that is dignified. A --

parade. Right now, I have a lot of parade. Right now, I have a lot of

parade. Right now, I have a lot of trust inside myself because we all

trust inside myself because we all trust inside myself because we all

trust inside myself because we all know that the words of the Gospels

know that the words of the Gospels know that the words of the Gospels

know that the words of the Gospels of the strength of the Church and

of the strength of the Church and of the strength of the Church and

its life. And it bears fruit its life. And it bears fruit

its life. And it bears fruit wherever people listen to these

wherever people listen to these wherever people listen to these

wherever people listen to these words and accept God's grace as the

words and accept God's grace as the words and accept God's grace as the

words and accept God's grace as the truth. This is what I trust in,

truth. This is what I trust in, truth. This is what I trust in,

truth. This is what I trust in, this is my joy. When, on 19th April

this is my joy. When, on 19th April this is my joy. When, on 19th April

2008 years ago, I accepted to 2008 years ago, I accepted to

2008 years ago, I accepted to 2008 years ago, I accepted to

become the Pope, I was certain, and become the Pope, I was certain, and

become the Pope, I was certain, and the certainty has always been with

the certainty has always been with the certainty has always been with

the certainty has always been with me, and I confided in the word of

me, and I confided in the word of me, and I confided in the word of

me, and I confided in the word of God. What I heard in my heart was,

God. What I heard in my heart was, God. What I heard in my heart was,

God. What I heard in my heart was, God, why are you asking me to do

God, why are you asking me to do God, why are you asking me to do

God, why are you asking me to do this? What are you asking me to do?

this? What are you asking me to do? this? What are you asking me to do?

this? What are you asking me to do? You are giving me a heavy burden on

You are giving me a heavy burden on You are giving me a heavy burden on

You are giving me a heavy burden on my shoulders. But if you are asking

my shoulders. But if you are asking my shoulders. But if you are asking

my shoulders. But if you are asking me to do this, I will accept it

me to do this, I will accept it me to do this, I will accept it

me to do this, I will accept it because I am sure you will guide me.

Eight years later, I would like to Eight years later, I would like to

Eight years later, I would like to Eight years later, I would like to

say that God has guided me, has say that God has guided me, has

say that God has guided me, has say that God has guided me, has

been close to me. I have felt his been close to me. I have felt his

been close to me. I have felt his presence every day. We have had

presence every day. We have had presence every day. We have had

presence every day. We have had moments of joy and delight and we

moments of joy and delight and we moments of joy and delight and we

have had difficult moments. I felt have had difficult moments. I felt

have had difficult moments. I felt have had difficult moments. I felt

like St Peter in his boat on the like St Peter in his boat on the

like St Peter in his boat on the like St Peter in his boat on the

lake of Galilee. Our God has given lake of Galilee. Our God has given

lake of Galilee. Our God has given lake of Galilee. Our God has given

us a lot of sunshine and many days us a lot of sunshine and many days

us a lot of sunshine and many days when fishing was very good but

when fishing was very good but when fishing was very good but

there were times when the waters there were times when the waters

there were times when the waters were choppy. And this has happened

were choppy. And this has happened were choppy. And this has happened

throughout the history of the throughout the history of the

throughout the history of the throughout the history of the

Church. It looks as if God was Church. It looks as if God was

Church. It looks as if God was sleeping. But I have always known

sleeping. But I have always known sleeping. But I have always known

sleeping. But I have always known that in that boat, there was always

that in that boat, there was always that in that boat, there was always

that in that boat, there was always God and the boat of the Church is

God and the boat of the Church is God and the boat of the Church is

God and the boat of the Church is God and the boat of the Church is

not mine, it is not ours, but it is God's.

God does not let that boat sink. God does not let that boat sink.

God does not let that boat sink. God does not let that boat sink.

The men he chooses his his will. The men he chooses his his will.

The men he chooses his his will. This is a certainty that nothing

This is a certainty that nothing This is a certainty that nothing

This is a certainty that nothing can obscure and that is why today

can obscure and that is why today can obscure and that is why today

can obscure and that is why today can obscure and that is why today

in my heart, I am full of thanks to in my heart, I am full of thanks to

in my heart, I am full of thanks to in my heart, I am full of thanks to

God because God has always given to God because God has always given to

God because God has always given to God because God has always given to

the church and to myself his light the church and to myself his light

the church and to myself his light the church and to myself his light

the church and to myself his light and his love. We are in the year of

and his love. We are in the year of and his love. We are in the year of

and his love. We are in the year of the faith and I want us to

the faith and I want us to the faith and I want us to

the faith and I want us to strengthen our faith in God in the

strengthen our faith in God in the strengthen our faith in God in the

context that seems to be placing context that seems to be placing

context that seems to be placing context that seems to be placing

God at a lower level. I would like God at a lower level. I would like

God at a lower level. I would like everybody to renew their faith in

everybody to renew their faith in everybody to renew their faith in

everybody to renew their faith in God and to trust God. And to be

God and to trust God. And to be God and to trust God. And to be

God and to trust God. And to be sure that the arms of God will

sure that the arms of God will sure that the arms of God will

sure that the arms of God will always have us and support us and

always have us and support us and always have us and support us and

we'll always enable us to walk we'll always enable us to walk

we'll always enable us to walk every day, even in difficult times.

every day, even in difficult times. every day, even in difficult times.

every day, even in difficult times. -- will always. I feel loved by a

-- will always. I feel loved by a -- will always. I feel loved by a

-- will always. I feel loved by a -- will always. I feel loved by a

God who has given his son to us as God who has given his son to us as

God who has given his son to us as a gift and shown his unconditional

a gift and shown his unconditional a gift and shown his unconditional

a gift and shown his unconditional love. I would like everyone to feel

love. I would like everyone to feel love. I would like everyone to feel

love. I would like everyone to feel the joy of being a Christian. When

the joy of being a Christian. When the joy of being a Christian. When

the joy of being a Christian. When they pray in the morning, when they

they pray in the morning, when they they pray in the morning, when they

they pray in the morning, when they say, God, I love you with all My

say, God, I love you with all My say, God, I love you with all My

say, God, I love you with all My Heart, I would like to thank you

Heart, I would like to thank you Heart, I would like to thank you

for having created me and having for having created me and having

for having created me and having for having created me and having

made me a Christian. The gift of made me a Christian. The gift of

made me a Christian. The gift of made me a Christian. The gift of

faith is the most precious gift we faith is the most precious gift we

faith is the most precious gift we faith is the most precious gift we

can have and nobody can take that a can have and nobody can take that a

can have and nobody can take that a can have and nobody can take that a

away from us. Let's thank God for away from us. Let's thank God for

away from us. Let's thank God for away from us. Let's thank God for

this with our prayers and with a this with our prayers and with a

consistent Christian life. God consistent Christian life. God

consistent Christian life. God consistent Christian life. God

consistent Christian life. God loves us but we need to love God. I

loves us but we need to love God. I loves us but we need to love God. I

loves us but we need to love God. I would like to thank God right now.

would like to thank God right now. would like to thank God right now.

would like to thank God right now. A Pope does not only died Peter's

A Pope does not only died Peter's A Pope does not only died Peter's

boat, even though his first boat, even though his first

boat, even though his first responsibility is this. -- guide.

responsibility is this. -- guide. responsibility is this. -- guide.

I've never felt alone in bringing I've never felt alone in bringing

I've never felt alone in bringing I've never felt alone in bringing

joy and carrying the weight of the joy and carrying the weight of the

joy and carrying the weight of the papacy. God has shown me many

papacy. God has shown me many papacy. God has shown me many

people who have shown love and people who have shown love and

people who have shown love and generosity towards the church and

generosity towards the church and generosity towards the church and

generosity towards the church and to have helped me and been very

to have helped me and been very to have helped me and been very

supportive. First of all, the supportive. First of all, the

supportive. First of all, the cardinal's here, your advice, your

cardinal's here, your advice, your cardinal's here, your advice, your

wisdom, your friendship have been wisdom, your friendship have been

wisdom, your friendship have been wisdom, your friendship have been

so pressures for me. My aides, from so pressures for me. My aides, from

so pressures for me. My aides, from so pressures for me. My aides, from

my Secretary of State, who has been my Secretary of State, who has been

my Secretary of State, who has been a faithful aide for me, and

a faithful aide for me, and a faithful aide for me, and

everybody who, in the various everybody who, in the various

everybody who, in the various departments and sectors, worked for

departments and sectors, worked for departments and sectors, worked for

departments and sectors, worked for the Holy See. There are so many

the Holy See. There are so many the Holy See. There are so many

people. It is their silence, their people. It is their silence, their

people. It is their silence, their faith, their humility that have

faith, their humility that have faith, their humility that have

supported me reliably. I would like supported me reliably. I would like

supported me reliably. I would like supported me reliably. I would like

to thank the Church of Rome, my I cannot possibly forget the

I cannot possibly forget the I cannot possibly forget the

brothers and sisters, the entire brothers and sisters, the entire

brothers and sisters, the entire brothers and sisters, the entire

people of God, during my visits and people of God, during my visits and

people of God, during my visits and people of God, during my visits and

my audiences and my trips. I have my audiences and my trips. I have

my audiences and my trips. I have always perceived a lot of affection

always perceived a lot of affection always perceived a lot of affection

always perceived a lot of affection and I have always loved every one

and I have always loved every one without making any distinction.

without making any distinction. without making any distinction.

With that charity that every With that charity that every

With that charity that every shepherd needs to have. Every day,

shepherd needs to have. Every day, shepherd needs to have. Every day,

shepherd needs to have. Every day, I have prayed for you with my heart.

I have prayed for you with my heart. I have prayed for you with my heart.

I have prayed for you with my heart. I'd give my farewell and my thanks.

I'd give my farewell and my thanks. I'd give my farewell and my thanks.

I'd give my farewell and my thanks. My heart is open to the entire

My heart is open to the entire My heart is open to the entire

My heart is open to the entire world. I would like to express my

world. I would like to express my world. I would like to express my

gratitude to the diplomatic corps gratitude to the diplomatic corps

gratitude to the diplomatic corps here at the Vatican. They represent

here at the Vatican. They represent here at the Vatican. They represent

here at the Vatican. They represent all the nations and I would like to

all the nations and I would like to all the nations and I would like to

all the nations and I would like to thank all those who work for the

thank all those who work for the thank all those who work for the

communication. I would like to communication. I would like to

communication. I would like to communication. I would like to

thank them for their services and I thank them for their services and I

thank them for their services and I thank them for their services and I

would also like to thank all the would also like to thank all the

would also like to thank all the people throughout the world who,

people throughout the world who, people throughout the world who,

people throughout the world who, over the last few weeks, have sent

over the last few weeks, have sent over the last few weeks, have sent

me their prayers and their me their prayers and their

me their prayers and their friendship. The Pope is never alone.

friendship. The Pope is never alone. friendship. The Pope is never alone.

friendship. The Pope is never alone. And I am trying this once again and

And I am trying this once again and And I am trying this once again and

The Pope belongs to people, and The Pope belongs to people, and

The Pope belongs to people, and The Pope belongs to people, and

many people feel close to him. It many people feel close to him. It

many people feel close to him. It many people feel close to him. It

is true that I have made the is true that I have made the

is true that I have made the leaders of the world, political and

leaders of the world, political and leaders of the world, political and

cultural leaders, I have also cultural leaders, I have also

cultural leaders, I have also received letters from people who

received letters from people who received letters from people who

just wanted to express their just wanted to express their

just wanted to express their affection and their love. These

affection and their love. These affection and their love. These

affection and their love. These affection and their love. These

people do not write to me as if I people do not write to me as if I

people do not write to me as if I people do not write to me as if I

was someone they do not know, they was someone they do not know, they

was someone they do not know, they was someone they do not know, they

write to me as if they were my write to me as if they were my