Last Public Words as Pope:
“I am Simply a Pilgrim”
Thank you from the heart, dear friends! I am glad to be with you, surrounded by the beauty of Creation. From eight this evening, I will no longer be Pontiff.
I am simply a pilgrim who begins the final stage of his pilgrimage on this earth, but I still wish to, with my heart, with my love, with my prayer, with my reflection, work for the good of the Church and for the common good of mankind.
Buona notte!
(Pope Benedict XVI, from the balcony at Castel Gandolfo)
We may like him or not, we may agree or disagree with Pope Benedict’s views, but I believe we have to admire a decision that places the best interest of the Catholic Church above his personal prestige.