Dressed in purple papal regalia, Pope Benedict XVI held his last major liturgy earlier today at the Vatican in observance of Ash Wednesday.
It was the Pope's first public appearance since his surprising announcement earlier this week that he will be stepping down as head of the Catholic Church. He is the first Pope in over 600-years to willingly give up the papacy, a title that traditionally is only given up upon death. Benedict's official retirement is scheduled to begin on February 28.
Today, thousands of Catholics gave the 85-year-old Pope a standing ovation as he walked into St. Peter's basilica. During Catechism lessions, Benedict was repeatedly interrupted by applause from worshippers sitting in the pews, many of whom became emotional and cried, the Great Falls Tribune reports, Church officials moved the mass from its traditional location at the basilica of Santa Sabina because of the large number of people expect to attended the mass.
"As you know, I have decided to renounce the ministry that the Lord gave to me on April 19, 2005," said the Pope in Italian during an address to those that gathered for mass. "I did this in full liberty for the good of the church."
He expressed his gratitude to those praying for his health, which he said he "physically felt in these days that haven't been easy for me."
It became public yesterday that the Pope's heart is in poor condition and needs the assistance of a pacemaker. He underwent surgery three months ago to replace the pacemaker's batteries.
"Contine to pray for me, the church, and the future pope," he asked of those in attendance and the millions who watched the mass as it was streamed live on the internet.
Church officials say Benedict's last public appearance as Pope will be the day before his retirement. He will initially stay at the pope's summer residence before moving to a monastary in the Vatican Garden.
Once retired, the church's 117 cardinals under the age of 80 will elected his successor.
To watch live stream of the mass click here.