Pope Benedict XVI’s last day of Pontificate

February 28, 2013: The Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI came to an end with the Sede Vacante (“Vacant See”) beginning at 8pm Rome time (7pm GMT) yesterday. At 5 p.m, the Pope bade farewell to the pontifical household, with whom he shared his daily life and his mission over the past eight years. He, however had time for one last 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".

At 5.15 p.m. he was flown to Castel Gandolfo, about 30 km from Rome. The Holy Father then briefly greeted the faithful of the Diocese of Albano from the central balcony of the Apostolic Palace, as his last public appearance while in office. At 8 p.m, the reign of the 265th Pope, the 264th successor of St. Peter, came to an end, having lasted 7 years, 10 months, and 9 days.