Thousands flock to bid farewell at Benedict’s final papal audience

By Laura Smith-Spark and Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN

Rome (CNN) — In front of rapt crowds, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of moments of joy and struggle Wednesday during his final public address from a stage set up in St. Peter’s Square.

Dressed all in white and looking serene, the pope used his last general audience to call for a renewal of faith and speak of his own spiritual journey through eight years as leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

As he finished, cheers erupted from the tens of thousands gathered in the square — acknowledged by Benedict with an open-armed embrace.

As well as calling for a renewal of faith, he discussed his experience as pontiff and his almost unprecedented decision to resign the role starting Thursday.

Benedict recounted how when he was asked to be pope eight years ago, he had prayed for God’s guidance.

via CNN Belief Blog http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/27/thousands-flock-to-bid-farewell-at-benedicts-final-papal-audience/