Benedict Gives Final Message as Pope - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Benedict Gives Final Message as Pope

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CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy -

Pope Benedict XVI has greeted the faithful for the last time as pope, telling well-wishers gathered at the Vatican's vacation retreat that he is beginning the final stage of his life as "simply a pilgrim," hours before he becomes the first pontiff in 600 years to resign.
 
Benedict arrived at Castel Gandolfo after an emotional sendoff from the Vatican, where his closest aide wept by his side as he bade farewell to Vatican officials gathered in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, Swiss Guards standing by at attention.
 
Bells tolled as he left the Vatican by helicopter and did a fly-by around St. Peter's Square. They tolled anew as he arrived in Castel Gandolfo, where the central piazza was jammed with people eager to capture the historic moment.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Electing a Pope

  • After the first day, Cardinals vote twice in the morning and twice at night.
  • Two-third majority required to elect a new Pope.
  • Black smoke means that a pope has not be selected. When a pope has been elected by the Cardinals, white smoke will come out of the Sistine Chapel Smokestack.
  • Only 80 Cardinals are allowed to vote for a new Pope.

All information provided above is from ABC News

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