In his first public appearance since announcing his retirement, Pope Benedict XVI told thousands of followers on Wednesday that he was stepping down for "the good of the church."
Speaking at his traditional Wednesday general audience, the 85 year old Pope received a standing ovation and was received with continuous applause.
"I did this in full liberty for the good of the church," he said, asking his followers, "to continue to pray for the pope and the church."
Benedict is the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.