Benedict Resigns As Pope, First To Step Down In 600 Years

Benedict Resigns As Pope, First To Step Down In 600 Years

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Benedict XVI waves goodbye before boarding a helicopter at Vatican City Thursday. Benedict XVI waves goodbye before boarding a helicopter at Vatican City Thursday.
  • Benedict Resigns As Pope, First To Step Down In 600 Years

  • Monday, March 11 2013 11:37 AM EDT2013-03-11 15:37:42 GMT
    On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
    On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
ROME -

Benedict XVI officially stepped down as leader of the Catholic church Thursday to become the first pontiff in centuries to resign.

Benedict left Vatican City by helicopter, where he was flown to nearby Castel Gandolfo.

Thousands lined the streets and watched on a large jumbotron outside of Vatican City as the now former pope left the area for the final time.

Before stepping down, Benedict met with more than 100 cardinals in the Vatican's Clementine Hall to offer his blessing and promise to support his successor.

Benedict is now the first pope in 600 years to resign.

The College of Cardinals will soon start the process of selecting a new pope when the conclave begins.

A Vatican spokesman tells FOX News Benedict will spend the rest of his time dedicated to prayer, reflection, study and writing.

  • Local News

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:39:10 GMT
    A text message that says "I'm about to leave"  is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
    A text message that says "I'm about to leave"  is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.

     "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up.. This is horrible" said Royer.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 7:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:32:42 GMT

    It was a gloomy Sunday as the whole area remain socked in with low clouds & fog, drizzle and scattered showers.

    The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is that it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday.  That mild and humid air mass will fuel afternoon thunderstorms.

    By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain.  It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
    Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
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