Pope Benedict XVI has recalled "joy and light" during his papacy, but also difficult times, during his final audience at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican today.

Tens of thousands of people toting banners saying “Thank you!” jammed St Peter’s Square today to bid farewell to Pope Benedict XVI at his final general audience – the appointment he kept each week to teach the world about the Catholic faith.

THE Pope was looking after us. That was the unanimous chorus of delight and surprise from privileged Irish pilgrims who found themselves witnessing history close up in St Peter’s Square yesterday.

The Pope's successor has a huge reputation to live up to, writes Rónán Mullen.