Pope Benedict XVI has left the Vatican for the final time before he officially resigns this evening.
He was flown by helicopter to the papal retreat of Castello Gandolfo.
This is where he will spend the first 2 months of his retirement.
The Pope will stand down at 7pm Irish time this evening.
The election of the new Pope will take place next month.
The Archbishop of Dublin says the number of people who turned out at the Vatican shows the affection people had for Pope Benedict.
Diarmuid Martin says today marks a sad day for Catholics around the world.
"Probably as time goes on, people saw that it was becoming more and more of a struggle for him" he said.
"He was a very reserved person - I think he will go back into being that now".
"I've got great memories of a very kind and warm person - but also a scholar and as a preacher".
"I can remember him preaching where I lived on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and they were stunning" he added.
He tweeted this to his over 1 million followers:
Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives.
— Benedict XVI (@Pontifex) February 28, 2013
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