Pope Benedict XVI says final public farewell

Pope Benedict XVl has said a final public farewell before his pontificate ends.

The 85-year-old pontiff was flown by helicopter to the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

He then appeared at a window overlooking the public square in Castel Gandolfo to bless a crowd.

He told them: "I am going to become a pilgrim about to start the last trip on his journey on this Earth".