VATICAN CITY -- Huge crowds gathered in Rome to say good-bye to Pope Benedict XVI, as he delivered his final public message after serving nearly eight years as pontiff.
Pope Benedict rode through St. Peter's Square in his trademark popemobile for the last time, waving to tens of thousands of followers. The 85-year old told the crowd he will keep faithful in his prayers and has quote "great trust" in the future of the church. On Thursday, Pope Benedict will become the first pope to resign in six hundred years.
Vatican officials say even in his retirement, Pope Benedict XVI will be known as Emeritus Pope. Pope Benedict will also be called "your holiness" and will continue to wear a white robe. But he's trading his famous red shoes for a brown pair he received on a trip to Mexico.
When a new pontiff is elected, there will be two popes living just a few yards from each other in Vatican City. Critics suggest having two people, both with the same key aid serving them, could cause conflict. But the Vatican insists, while the situation is unique, no trouble will arise.
Cardinals will meet on Monday to decide on a date for the election of a new pope, which will be held inside the famous Sistine Chapel. During his address, Pope Benedict asked the faithful to pray for the cardinals who will choose his successor. 115 cardinals under the age of 80 will vote in a secret election early next month.
