Words before Pope Benedict XVI’s final apostolic blessing as Pope at Castel Gandolfo on February 28, 2013.

“At this time, I have within myself a great trust [in God], because I know – all of us know – that the Gospel’s word of truth is the strength of the Church: it is her life. The Gospel purifies and renews: it bears fruit wherever the community of believers hears and welcomes the grace of God in truth and lives in charity. This is my faith, this is my joy.”

“[These years] have been a stretch of the Church’s pilgrim way, which has seen moments joy and light, but also difficult moments. I have felt like St. Peter with the Apostles in the boat on the Sea of ​​Galilee: the Lord has given us many days of sunshine and gentle breeze, days in which the catch has been abundant; [then] there have been times when the seas were rough and the wind against us, as in the whole history of the Church it has ever been – and the Lord seemed to sleep. Nevertheless, I always knew that the Lord is in the barque, that the barque of the Church is not mine, not ours, but His – and He shall not let her sink.”

“Loving the Church also means having the courage to make difficult, trying choices, having ever before oneself the good of the Church and not one’s own.”

“Dear friends! God guides His Church, maintains her always, and especially in difficult times. Let us never lose this vision of faith, which is the only true vision of the way of the Church and the world. In our heart, in the heart of each of you, let there be always the joyous certainty that the Lord is near, that He does not abandon us, that He is near to us and that He surrounds us with His love. Thank you!”

  • Excerpts from his final Wednesday Audience on February 27 2013.

“Among you, between the College of Cardinals, there is also the future Pope, to whom I already pledge my unconditional respect and obedience.”

  • Surprise address to the 144 cardinals gathered to bid him farewell in Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace at 11 a.m. on February 28, 2013.

“I’m simply a pilgrim that is starting the last stage of his pilgrimage on Earth, but I would still like with my heart, with my love, with my prayer, with my reflection, with all my inner strength to work for the common good of the Church and of humanity, and I feel very supported by your sympathy. Let’s go ahead together with the Lord for the good of the Church and of the world.”