Pope Benedict XVI said he will not leave the church

Holy Father, Benedict XVI, gave yesterday the last blessing of his pontificate from the window of his studio in St. Peter’s Square.

Benedict, 85, said he’s not leaving the Church despite his decision to retire to spend his last years in prayer. Repeatedly, he thanked the attendees for their loyalty and affection, the audience responded  with applause and cheers. There were approximately around 100,000 people.

The Pontiff told that God is calling him to pursue “further prayer and meditation,” which he will meet in an isolated monastery that is being remodeled right now in the grounds behind the ancient walls of Vatican City.

“On the contrary, if God is calling me, this is because I can continue to serve (the Church) with the same dedication and the same love with which I have tried to do so far, but in a form more suitable for my age and my strength.”

The Pope will leave his post on Thursday after saying he no longer has the physical or mental strength to lead the 1,200 billion Catholics in the world, becoming the first pope to resign in nearly 60 decades.