Farewell, Pope Benedict

Tomorrow afternoon, Pope Benedict will leave the Vatican for Castel Gandalfo and the beginning of his retirement.  His last public event was the General Audience that ws held in St. Peter's Square rather than the audience hall because of the expected crowd.  Italian authorities estimate that between 150,000 and 200,000 people joined the Holy Father for this audience.  Here is a video of the audience.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/60660027

Here is a link to his final blessing at the end of the audience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=bTvNMk4mIfo

The Knight of Columbus have circulated tha following prayer which can be used to pray for Pope Benedict and the Holy Spirit's guidance for the cardinal electors who will gather soon in conclave to elect the new Pope.

O Lord Jesus Christ , Supreme Pastor of Your Church, we thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI and the selfless care with which he has led us as Successor of Peter, and Your Vicar on earth.

Good Shepherd, who founded Your Church
on the rock of Peter's faith
and have never left Your flock untended, look with love upon us now, and sustain Your Church in faith, hope, and charity.

Grant, Lord Jesus, in Your boundless love for us, a new Pope for Your Church who will please You by his holiness and lead us faithfully to You, who are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Amen."