'God told me to go': Pope speaks to emotional crowd of 100,000 gathered to hear goodbye message

In an emotional goodbye to 100,000 supporters, the Pope revealed that he is stepping aside because God told him to.

In a voice raw with emotion, Benedict XVI told tens of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter's Square that he was resigning because God had called on him to devote himself to prayer. He said God had told him 'to climb the mountain'.

Despite recently looking tired and frail, today he spoke in a clear, strong voice, repeatedly thanking the faithful for their closeness and affection as they interrupted him, again and again, with applause and cheers. Police estimated some 100,000 people turned out.

Benedict insisted he was 'not abandoning the church.' Instead, speaking in Italian, he said he'll serve the church with the same dedication he has until now, but will do so 'in a way more suitable to my age and my strength'.

He also said he would continue to serve through meditation and prayer after his historic abdication.

A child in the crowd held up a sign on a yellow placard, written in Italian, 'You are not alone, I'm with you'. Other admirers held signs simply saying 'Thank you'.



A youngster holds a banner reading: 'You are not alone, I am with you' during the Pope's appearance