Pope Benedict: Tens of thousands attend blessing

On one of his final public blessings Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their prayers and support.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims filled St Peter's Square for a chance to pray with the pontiff before he steps down.

The 85-year-old pontiff announced this week that he would step down at the end of February and the Vatican says a new Pope should be elected before Easter.

Allan Little reports from Rome.