A helicopter carrying Pope Benedict XVI lifted off from Vatican City on Thursday as he departed for the last time as pope.

A helicopter passed by the dome of St Peter's basilica. Benedict boarded a helicopter this afternoon to fly to the papal summer residence.

People reacted near a giant screen showing the departure of Pope Benedict XVI from Vatican City.

People in Saint Peter's Square watched the screen of the helicopter waiting to carry Pope Benedict XVI.

A helicopter with Pope Benedict XVI aboard left the Vatican.

Benedict waved to crowds from the balcony of his summer residence.

Crowds gathered to see Benedict at his summer residence, Castel Gandolfo.

A message on the side of a building at Castel Gandolfo thanked Pope Benedict XVI.

The crowd waited for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI on Freedom's Square at Castel Gandolfo.

Pope Benedict XVI pledged obedience to his successor at a meeting of cardinals on his last day as pontiff.