Papa Benedicto wa 16 amejiuzulu rasmi leo kuliongoza kanisa katoliki Duniani.

A crimson banner bearing the papal seal was draped over the palace balcony as Benedict told crowds he was 'simply a pilgrim about to start his last journey on Earth'

The helicopter with Pope Benedict XVI aboard flies past St Peter's Square today as he left the Vatican

The helicopter carrying Benedict circled over St Peter's Basilica before heading south towards Castel Gandolfo

The small figure of Benedict XVI could be seen waving to crowds gathered on rooftops around Rome as his helicopter took off

The Italian Air Force helicopter flew over St Peter's square as it began its short journey, flying over crowds gathered round large television screens

Benedict boarded an Italian Air Force helicopter in the Vatican Gardens for the 15 minute journey to Castel Gandolfo

Kiongozi wa Kanisa Katoliki duniani Papa Benedicto wa kumi na sita amejiuzulu siku ya Alhamisi (feb 28,2013) baada ya kuahidi kufanya hivyo mapema mwezi wa February kwa sababu ya umri wake mkubwa na sababu za kiafya zinazomfanya kutoendelea katika wadhifa huo.

Akiwahutubia zaidi ya waumini laki moja na elfu 50 katika uwanja wa Mtakatifu Petro ,Papa Benedicto wa 16 amezungumzia changamoto mbalimbali zilizolikumba kanisa Katoliki wakati wa Uongozi wake na Kusema kwamba Mungu ndiye nahodha pekee wa kanisa katoliki na kwamba kamwe asingeliacha kanisa hilo litetereke.

Jumatano (Feb 27,2013) kiongozi huyo aliongoza misa yake ya mwisho katika Makao Mkauu ya Kanisa hilo mjini Vatican na kuwaaga maelfu ya watu waliokuja kumsikiliza.

Kujiuzulu kwa Baba mtakatifu Benedicto , kunafungua milango kwa nafasi hiyo ya juu kuwakutanisha makadinali takriban 115 kutoka ulimwenguni kote kwa ajili ya kuchagua mrithi ambapo Kesho (March 01,2013) wataanza mchakato wa kumchagua papa mpya .

Papa Benedicto wa 16 sasa atajulikana kama Papa Emeritus na atahamia katika chumba cha kitawa mjini Vatikani mwezi Aprili mwaka huu

Waangalizi wanaoutupia macho uteuzi huu wana matumaini kuwa Papa atakayepatikana anatarajiwa kutupia macho kwa ukaribu maswala ambayo yamekuwa Changamoto katika Kanisa hilo.

Benedict's apartment will be sealed at 7pm GMT and his papal ring and seal destroyed

Benedict emerged from his private apartments to a crowd of senior clergy and staff before being driven away to the helipad

Staff and clergy gathered in the San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace to say goodbye to the pontiff

Pope Benedict XVI delivered his plea for unity during his farewell meeting to cardinals

Pope Benedict XVI urged the cardinals to work in unity and promised his 'unconditional reverence and obedience' to his successor today

The cardinals gathered in the Vatican's Clementine Hall to hear Benedict's final address this morning

Pope Benedict XVI told cardinals that they should work in harmony to elect his successor during a farewell ceremony in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace today

The Pope's final day at the Vatican began with an assembly of his cardinals before he leaves for the papal retreat later today

Benedict appeared to be trying to defuse concerns about having a retired pope at the same time as a serving pope during his speech

Inflatable letters hung from a building in Castel Gandolfo spelled out 'Thank You Benedict, we are all with you' today as the town prepared to welcome the outgoing pontiff to his retreat