His Holiness Benedict XVI, Roman Pontiff Emeritus
From the balcony at Castel Gandolfo:
"Thank you from the heart, dear friends! I am glad to be with you, surrounded by the beauty of Creation. From 8pm this evening, I will no longer be Pontiff. I am simply a pilgrim that begins the final stage of his pilgrimage on this earth, but I still wish to, with my heart, with my love, with my prayer, with my reflection, work for the good of the Church and for the common good of mankind. Buona notte!"
Almighty and ever-living God,
who has given your faithful servant Benedict
grace to maintain his faith and hope in you
amid the labours of his apostolic ministry;
graciously bestow upon him, we pray,
the consolations of your Holy Spirit
and uphold him in serenity of life.
Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
who has given your faithful servant Benedict
grace to maintain his faith and hope in you
amid the labours of his apostolic ministry;
graciously bestow upon him, we pray,
the consolations of your Holy Spirit
and uphold him in serenity of life.
Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
