Video of audience - The piazza was packed. It was a beautiful sunny day in Rome.
[N.B. I can't get the full video of the audience - "Udienza Generale" - to load at the moment. It could be due to high demand. However, shorter video clips are available if one clicks on the "Video" button. They do load and play for me. YMMV. ELS 2/13/13 I was able to get the full video to load later at a different computer. 2/27/13]
A short video clip (0:42) from Reuters
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful as he arrives in St. Peter's Square to hold his last general audience at the Vatican, February 27, 2013. The weekly event which would normally be held in a vast auditorium in winter, but has been moved outdoors to St. Peter's Square so more people can attend. The pope has two days left before he takes the historic step of becoming the first pontiff in some six centuries to step down instead of ruling for life. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi
Pope Benedict XVI rides in his Popemobile through a packed Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican during his last general audience, February 27, 2013. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini
Pope Benedict XVI finishes his last general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, February 27, 2013. The weekly event which would normally be held in a vast auditorium in winter, but has been moved outdoors to St. Peter's Square so more people can attend. The pope has two days left before he takes the historic step of becoming the first pontiff in some six centuries to step down instead of ruling for life. (REUTERS /Alessandro Bianchi)
Weekly audience ping!
Please let me know if you want to be on or off this ping list.
Dear FRiends, I have enjoyed posting these weekly catecheses and benefited greatly from them. I don't know if I will continue to post them with the next Pope. Benedict XVI has a special place in my heart. If anyone wants to post the general audience texts of the next Pope, please send me a FRmail message and I'll be glad to pass along the ping list.
In this final address I hear many echoes of the Intercessions I used an hour and half ago at the Eucharist:
Almighty and everlasting God,
you are worthy to be held in reverence by all the mortal race.
We give you thanks for the innumerable blessings
which, despite our unworthiness, you have showered upon us.
We praise you especially that you have preserved for us in their purity
your saving Word and the sacred ordinances of your house.
Grant and preserve to your Church throughout the world purity of doctrine
and faithful pastors who shall preach your Word with power,
and help all who hear
rightly to understand and firmly to believe your Word of truth.
Protect and defend your people in time of tribulation and danger,
that we, in communion with your Church and in unity with all Christian people,
may fight the good fight of faith and in the end receive the fullness of salvation.
Upon all the nations of the earth bestow your grace.
Especially we ask you to bless our land and all its inhabitants
and all who are in authority.
Cause your glory to dwell among us,
and let mercy and truth, justice and peace everywhere prevail.
We commend to your care all our schools,
that virtue and useful knowledge may be nourished
and the wholesome fruits of life may abound.
In your mercy defend us from all calamities by fire and water,
from war and pestilence, from scarcity and famine.
Protect and prosper all who labor, and cause all useful arts to flourish among us.
Show yourself to be the helper of the sick and needy,
the comforter of the forsaken and distressed.
And as we are strangers and pilgrims on earth,
help us to prepare for the world to come,
doing the work which you have given us to do while it is day,
before that night comes when no one can work.
And, when our last hour shall come, support us by your power
and receive us into your everlasting kingdom,
where, with your Son our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit,
you live and reign, God forever.
Amen