Pope Benedict XVI blessed 50,000 followers from his window overlooking St Peter's Square on Sunday, in his first public appearance there since announcing his resignation.
Worshippers flocked to the Vatican for a chance to see the Pope before he steps down on February 28th.
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He appeared to a rapturous crowd who chanted "long live the Pope" and held banners proclaiming their devotion.
Pope Benedict gave his penultimate Angelus blessing and called upon the crowd to "continue praying for me and for the next pope."
He is the first Pope to resign in over 600 years blaming deteriorating health.
A new Pope is expected to be chosen in time for Easter.