Benedict’s final farewell

As the pope emeritus begins the ‘last leg of his pilgrimage on this earth’, Ella Ide meets with residents in the tiny town of Castel Gandolfo near Rome, where thousands gathered to hear Benedict’s last words as Pope

POPE Benedict XVI’s final goodbye was met with tears and applause in the tiny hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo near Rome, where thousands had gathered to hear his last words before he retired.

“Thank you for your friendship,” the 85-year old said as he stepped out onto a balcony of the papal residence, smiling and holding out his arms to the crowd of flag-waving families, priests, and pilgrims, who cheered wildly and chanted: “Be-ne-detto!”