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The papal resignation

On the evening that Benedict XVI announced his resignation, St. Peter’s was struck by lightning.

The shock:

During a consistory on February 11, 2013, Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the Petrine Office in Latin. It took a while for all of the cardinals present to understand what had just happened.

Pope Benedict XVI leaves the room after announcing his resignation during a consistory at the Vatican.

Thank you, Holy Father!

Benedict XVI received one last enthusiastic greeting from the faithful during his final general audience in St. Peter’s Square on March 27, 2013.

End of the pontificate:

A Swiss Guardsman closes the door of the papal estate in Castel Gandolfo after the final public appearance of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, the day of his resignation.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims came to Benedict XVI’s final general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Carrying their messages on banners, they expressed their gratitude and their sympathy for the departing 85-year-old head of the church. “I am truly moved,” Benedict said in his address.

One final greeting and a blessing for the large crowd of the faithful who had gathered in Castel Gandolfo, and then the pontificate of Benedict XVI was history.

One final greeting and a blessing for the large crowd of the faithful who had gathered in Castel Gandolfo, and then the pontificate of Benedict XVI was history.

The helicopter circled the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, then Pope Benedict XVI flew over Rome from the Vatican to Castel Gandolfo on February 28, 2013. His time in office ended at 8:00 pm.