Benedict XVI time as pope came to a historic the end Thursday as to he became
the first pontiff in six centuries to resign as leader of the world's Roman Catholics,
who now number 1.2 billion,
Torchlit crowds stood before to the gates of the Castel and Gandolfo are residence to waiting to
see the Swiss Guards, the soldiers who traditionally protect the pope salute and close
the doors on the stroke of 8 p.m.,
He faithful fill St. Peters Square as Pope Benedict XVI attends his
last public to be audience on Wednesday February 27 in Vatican City,
Benedict's decision to resign earlier this month caught a lot of Vatican watchers,
apparently even something in his inner circle offguard.
