Pope Benedict XVI basked in an emotional sendoff on Wednesday (February 27 2013) at his final general audience on St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, recalling moments of ‘joy and light’ during his papacy but also times of great difficulty. He retires on Thursday. Above: A view of the 150 000-strong crowd on St Peter’s Square. The pope thanked his flock for respecting his decision to retire. Picture: Andrew Medichini/AP

The 85-year-old German-born pope is driven through the crowd in his Popemobile as he arrives to celebrate his last general audience. The pope said he would resign on February 28 because he no longer has the strength to fulfil the duties of his office. Picture: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

People wearing T-shirts reading ‘Thank you, your Holiness’ wait on St Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The weekly event, which would normally be held in a vast auditorium in winter, was moved outdoors to St Peter’s Square so more people could attend. Picture: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

The pope blesses a baby as he rides around St Peter’s Square to hold his last general audience. He takes the historic step of becoming the first pontiff in almost some six centuries to step down instead of ruling for life. Picture: Max Rossi/Reuters

A nun waits on a packed St Peter’s Square, where Pope Benedict XVI held his last general audience. He lamented the ‘evil, suffering and corruption’ that has defaced God’s creation. Picture: Alesandro Bianchi/Reuters

As the pope heads into retirement, he will be assumed as pope emeritus and be referred to as His Holiness. Picture: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Cardinal Bernard Law (centre) of the US attends the last general audience of Pope Benedict XVI. The new pope will be left to deal with the Vatileaks and child abuse scandals. Picture: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the crowd at the end of his last general audience. His lead seal and ring of office will be destroyed just as if he had died. A new pope will be elected next month. Picture: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters