Pope Leaves Vatican In Helicopter (VIDEO)

A helicopter with Pope Benedict XVI onboard leaves the Vatican in Rome, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. The 85-year-old German Pope Benedict is stepping down on Thursday evening, the first pope to do so in 600 years, after ... A helicopter with Pope Benedict XVI onboard leaves the Vatican in Rome, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. The 85-year-old German Pope Benedict is stepping down on Thursday evening, the first pope to do so in 600 years, after saying he no longer has the mental or physical strength to vigorously lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) MORE LESS
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Pope Benedict XVI has left the building. 

After pledging his loyalty to a yet-to-be-named successor, Benedict on Thursday left the Vatican on a helicopter ride to Castel Gandolfo, a town outside Rome. He officially retires at 8pm local time, when he will take up the title of “pope emeritus.”

Video of his departure: 

Benedict delivered his message on the occasion of his farewell meeting to cardinals, at the Vatican on Thursday.

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