Thousands go to St. Peter's Square to say farewell and thank you to the Pope

February 27, 2013. (Romereports.com)  They came to say farewell. Early in the morning, thousands of pilgrims made their way to St. Peter's Square to witness history during Benedict XVI's last General Audience.

“The truth is, this is a historic moment and its a beautiful opportunity to experience this with so many people. This is definitely a precious moment.”

“I am very greatful for the opportunity to be here, really and as he was talking and we were all waiting I was just praying for him and for the next Pope.”

Benedict XVI thanked the Church and its people for their support since announcing his resignation.  People from every corner of the world came to say farewell and to say thank you.

 “I'd like to thank him for all his work and honesty. For his courage. He has showed us many a things.”

 “It was very emotional knowing that this is the last time that we will ever see him in public and I was very moved to be here, I know that its a very special time and I'm really greatfull that I got the experience.”

“He speak about silence and i have a thinking sometime to make a promise to make a promise of silence for someone.”

 “What impressed me most was the fact that he said that he is not abandoning the Church, he's not abandoning the Cross that he's going to serve the Church in another way thru prayer and thru reflection.”

Flags waved, people cheered. Just a day before Benedict XVI officially resigns as Pope, he encouraged people to have faith, adding that the Bark of the Church, is guided by God.