Pope Benedict XVI is stepping down as pope Feb. 28 after eight years as leader of the world’s Roman Catholics. Benedict, elected pope in April 2005 after the death of John Paul II, is the first pope to step down in 600 years.

Benedict saluted a cheering crowd gathered to see him from the balcony window of the pontifical summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, Italy. It was Benedict’s last address to the faithful before resigning as pope.

Pope Benedict XVI reacted after making his last address to faithful from a balcony at Castel Gandolfo.

A large crowd gathered in Castel Gandolfo to hear the pope’s blessing.

People reacted near a giant screen at the Vatican showing Pope Benedict XVI’s departure.

Benedict's helicopter departed the Vatican late in the afternoon.

People crowded the gallery atop of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City as a helicopter carrying Pope Benedict XVI passes by on its way to the pope’s summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. Benedict will stay at Castel Gandolfo until renovations are complete at a monastery in the grounds of the Vatican.

A helicopter carrying Pope Benedict XVI flew over St Peter’s Basilica on his way to Castel Gandolfo.

The helicopter flew over St. Peter’s Square.

People waited for the pope’s helicopter to take off.

A helicopter landed at the Vatican in the late afternoon. It took Benedict to the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, outside of Rome.

Pope Benedict XVI spoke to cardinals during a farewell ceremony in Clementine Hall at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.

Pope Benedict XVI met with cardinals in his final day as pope.

At the event, Pope Benedict XVI pledged obedience to his successor.

Cardinals applauded Pope Benedict XVI during the event.

Pope Benedict XVI delivered his final greetings to the cardinals.

Pope Benedict XVI entered the Apostolic Palace to deliver final greetings to cardinals.

The pope’s studio window at the Vatican is framed by columns of the Bernini colonnade.

A nun walked past posters of Pope Benedict XVI along a street in Rome. The posters, in Italian, read: “You will stay always with us. Thank you.”

Nuns stood in front of the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on the outskirts of Rome, which will serve as Pope Benedict’s temporary quarters in retirement.

A worker set up a display on the exterior of the home in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, which will serve as the new residence for the pope emeritus. The sign read: "Thank you Benedict, we are all with you.”

A decorated Catholic faithful stood on a street in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, where Pope Benedict XVI will begin his post-papal life.