Pope Benedict resigns from the papacy on February 28. He has said his goal after stepping down is to live quietly in prayer and meditation.
Pope Benedict
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Pope Benedict waves as he arrives to lead the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 18, 2012.
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Pope Benedict wears a sombrero, a traditional Mexican hat, while being driven through the crowd before officiating a mass in Silao, Mexico, March 25, 2012.
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Pope Benedict holds his cross as he leads a solemn mass in Zagreb, Croatia, June 5, 2011.
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Pope Benedict visits the Ardeatine Caves Memorial in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2011.