Pope Benedict XVI's final tweet

(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI arrived at Castel Gandolfo, Thursday evening, after a 15 minute helicopter ride over the rooftops of Rome. But before taking his leave of the men and women, officials and lay staff in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, with whom he shared his daily life and his mission over the past eight years, he had time for one more tweet to his many followers worldwide, it was his parting message:

"Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives".

As of 20:00 Thursday evening the twitter account @pontifex will be shut down temporarily for the period of Vacant See.