"Let us go forward..."

Last evening, February 28, 2013, at 8:00p.m., His Holiness Benedict XVI’s resignation became official.  Leaving his Papal Palace at 5:00p.m., he was flown in a helicopter to Castel Gandolfo, where he arrived safely and will begin his new mission for and with the Church. 

Upon his arrival, he gave a brief address to all those present.  He spoke without a script from the central balcony, concluding with his final blessing as Pontiff, saying:

Thank you!  Thank you all!

Dear friends, I am happy to be with you, surrounded by the beauty of creation and your affection that does me much good. Thank you for your friendship, your love, [applause] ...

You know that this day for me is different from previous ones: I am no longer the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church: until eight in the evening I will be still, and then no longer. I am simply a pilgrim who begins the last leg of his pilgrimage on this earth.

But I wish still [applause - thank you!] ... but I wish still with my heart, my love, my prayer, my reflection, with all my inner strength, to work for the common good and the good of the Church and of humanity. And I feel very much supported by your affection.

Let's go forward with the Lord for the good of the Church and the world.

Thank you, I give you now [applause] ... with all my heart, my blessing.

[Blessing]

Thank you, good night! Thank you all!

Translation from http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/from-castel-gandolfo-pope-s-final-farewell.

 

Blessed Mother, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, pray for His Holiness Benedict XVI, his successor, all of the College of Cardinals, and all of us!