Pope Benedict XVI prepares to leave Castel Gandolfo

Pope Benedict met with several church and civil officials in Castel Gandolfo on Monday, as he prepares to leave the Papal Summer Residence.

The Holy Father said he wanted to entrust everyone to the protection of Saint Vincent de Paul, whose feast day is celebrated on Monday.

He made note that Saint Vincent, the Apostle of Charity, was proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII as the universal patron of all charitable works around the word.

Pope Benedict said he made the Gospel a bright beacon of hope and love to the people of his time, particularly the poor in body and spirit.

The Pope leaves Castel Gandolfo for the Vatican on Thursday.