Wednesday, 27 February 2013, was a special day in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, where the sun shone brilliantly. An immense multitude invaded the square with one desire, to thank and greet for the last time a Pope who had been loved as a father, a friend, a master. In the crowd banners of every country were raised with ‘Thank you’ in gigantic letters.
Last audience of Benedict XVl
Last farewell to the crowd
Wednesday, 27 February 2013, was a special day in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, where the sun shone brilliantly. An immense multitude invaded the square with one desire, to thank and greet for the last time a Pope who had been loved as a father, a friend, a master. In the crowd banners of every country were raised with ‘Thank you’ in gigantic letters. On other placards one could read affectionate words like “We will not forget you!”, “We loved you!”, “We will miss you”.
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The whole Church had gathered around the Pope, a crowd of ordinary Christians who came to support the man who “has no more strength” with their affection and presence. We too came from the General House to represent the Holy Family of Bordeaux and offer our sincere thanks for his courageous work in the Church and for his words that gave us light and life.
One last time he addressed the Church and the world. His voice was weak but the strong message reached all hearts. Once more he left us a vision of faith. “May the joyful certitude that the Lord is near us be always in your hearts and that he does not abandon us but surrounds us with his great love.”
We knew him as a gentle and unassuming man, as a man of Hope who, before leaving, joyfully affirmed in the name of the Spirit: “The Church is alive today”.
So it was that Pope Benedict XVl left to become a “pilgrim” at the heart of the Church and humanity.