In his last Angelus in St Peter&#39;s Square, he told thousands of cheering pilgrims he was following God&rsquo;s wishes in deciding to abdicate. <img alt="" src="http://images.mid-day.com/2013/feb/vat4.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 380px;" /> Pic/AFP/Osservatore Romano The 85-year-old Pontiff said, &ldquo;I am not abandoning the Church and shall continue to serve it in a manner more adapted to my age and strength,&rdquo; through prayer and meditation, he added. <img alt="" src="http://images.mid-day.com/2013/feb/vat3.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 475px;" /> A nun prays during the Pope&rsquo;s last Angelus prayer in St Peter&rsquo;s Square. (Right) A youngster holds a banner reading &ldquo;You are not alone, I&rsquo;m also with you&rdquo;. <img alt="" src="http://images.mid-day.com/2013/feb/vat2.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 493px;" /> The Pope&rsquo;s final Sunday blessing made it to the front page of newspapers in Italyu00a0 <img alt="" src="http://images.mid-day.com/2013/feb/vat1_2.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 491px;" />

Pope Benedict XVI gave his final Sunday blessing at the Vatican yesterday before he steps down on Thursday. 

'I am not abandoning the church'

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / News / World News / Article / 'I am not abandoning the church'

'I am not abandoning the church'

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast