Last public lecture

Pope's final audience was bittersweet for cardinals

A poster erected by the city of Rome near the Vatican thanking Pope Benedict XVI: The poster says in Italian: "You will remain always with us. Thanks." CNS / Paul Haring.

A story by Catholic News Agency says the cardinals and bishops who attended Pope Benedict XVI's last big public appearance showed him their love and respect, but it was a hard moment as well.

"There was a touch of sadness, as when one sees a person for the very last time," said Archbishop Rino Fisichella after the Pope's last general audience. "Bishops and cardinals have shown a lot of respect, love, and affection towards him here today," he told CNA Feb. 27.

About 200,000 people from all over the world travelled to St. Peter's Square to see Pope Benedict for the last time before he stepped down as Pope Feb. 28.

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.