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

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

REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

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

REUTERS/Stefano Rellandin

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

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A helicopter with Pope Benedict XVI aboard left the Vatican.

EPA/MICHAELA KAPPELER

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

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

EPA/ETTORE FERRARI

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

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

EPA/OSSERVATORE ROMANO

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