During the season of Lent which begins today, we renew our commitment to the path of conversion, making more room for God in our lives.
From @Pontifex on Twitter:Read: Pope Benedict XVI thanks the faithful for their "love and prayers"
Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their "love and prayers" at his first public appearance since announcing his resignation, telling them he is stepping down for "the good of the Church".
"Continue to pray for me, for the Church and for the future Pope," he said at the start of his weekly general audience at the Vatican.
The Pope was interrupted several times by rapturous applause from the 8,000-strong crowd who gathered to watch.
Pope Benedict XVI said he was "well aware of the gravity of such an act" but was also "aware of not being able to carry out my [papal] ministry with the physical and spiritual force that it requires".
Echoing the remarks he made to stunned cardinals when announcing his decision to resign on Monday, the Pope said, "I took this decision in full freedom for the good of the Church after praying for a long time and examining by conscience before God".
Pope Benedict XVI was greeted by a cheering crowd as he made his first public appearance since announcing his resignation:
– Labour leader Ed MilibandMany people will remember his historic visit to the UK in 2010 - which was a very special moment for many, especially Catholics, across the country.
His decision to stand down is a brave one and we know he will not have reached it lightly.
The choice of a successor is clearly an important one for the Catholic Church.
Our thoughts are with those who must make such a critical decision on behalf of millions around the world.
Pope Benedict will honour his official commitments and public engagements until February 28, the date of his resignation, according to Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi.
Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the Pope's resignation was his own "personal decision" without any outside pressure.
Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation today at a St. Peter's Basilica mass in the Vatican.
The Pope's statement is in Latin.
Read the transcript of his statement here.
Pope Benedict XVI has announced his resignation today, here is his full statement.
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