VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict the XVI gave his final blessing to a huge crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, which was the last Sunday of his papacy.
People gathered from all over the world to listen to the pope as he gave his last weekly Angelus Prayer before a crowd estimated to comprise 100,000 people.
Utah Catholics reacted to the pope’s final Sunday. John Wester, Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, said they are sad to see him go but are grateful for his service.
"I feel a certain sadness because I'm fond of this pope,” he said. “I think he's a wonderful servant of the church. I think he's been a great presence in our church. I think he's really served us very well."
The 85-year-old pontiff will step down from his position on Thursday.
