February 17, 2013. (Romereports.com) As Benedict XVI's pontificate comes to a close, thousands of people made their way to St. Peter's Square to thank him for his eight year pontificate.
Pilgrims brought banners and cheered him on as the Pope led Sunday's Angelus on Lent, from his studio window. About 50,000 people attended adding that it's history in the making.
“It really exciting to see how people react and how big this is for Rome and Italy actually.”
“This Pope has been fantastic in his great leadership to the Catholic Church and good luck for whoever they choose next.”
“I would tell him that he showed a lot of courage in taking this decision and I wish him the best for the rest of his life.”
“It's nice to be here, but I think when we get a new Pope, he needs to bring a lot of people, young people back into the Church.”
“We thought we would love to come down and see the last few days of the Pope. I suppose it's something difficult. It's unusual. I feel its a new start, I feel it's a new start and the Catholic Church needs a new start.”
