Bells, applause as Pope Benedict XVI departs Vatican for final time as pontiff.
By Alastair Jamieson, Staff writer, NBC News
Pope Benedict XVI departed the Vatican for the last time as pontiff Thursday, to a chorus of bells and a ripple of applause from his closest advisers and officials.
He emerged from the Apostolic Palace and was saluted by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state, and other senior staff members in the St. Damaso Courtyard before being driven to his helicopter for the
journey to his lavish temporary residence.