POPE Benedict XVI has blessed the faithful from his window overlooking St Peter's Square for the first time since announcing his resignation, cheered by an emotional crowd of tens of thousands of well-wishers from around the world.
Smiling broadly, Benedict raised his arms outstretched to the massive crowd in his second-last Angelus blessing before leaving the papacy. A huge banner in the square read: "We love you."
The Sunday noon appointment is one of the most cherished traditions of the Catholic Church, and this moment is one of Benedict's last opportunities to connect with the Catholic masses.
The Pope's voice was strong and clear as he looked into hazy sunshine over the square packed with at least 50,000 pilgrims, whom he addressed in Italian, English, French, German, Polish and Spanish.
Benedict made no direct reference to his stunning decision to step down on February 28. But in his comments to Spanish-speaking pilgrims he asked the faithful to "continue praying for me and for the next pope". And he thanked the faithful for their "affection and spiritual closeness".
The crowd broke out into cheers and wild applause.
The Pope gave particular thanks to the "beloved inhabitants of the city of Rome", a possible hint at the title he will take after retirement. The Vatican has suggested he may be called "emeritus bishop of Rome".
The Vatican hasn't announced the date of the start of the conclave, but said on Saturday it might start sooner than March 15, the earliest date it can be launched under current rules. Benedict would have to sign off on any earlier date, an act that would be one of the last of his nearly eight-year papacy.
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