Pope Benedict resigns from the papacy on February 28. He has said his goal after stepping down is to live quietly in prayer and meditation.
Pope Benedict
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Pope Benedict leaves after an audience with Vatican-accredited diplomats at the Vatican, January 10, 2011.
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Pope Benedict visits the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City, May 12, 2009.
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Pope Benedict waves to the crowd gathered in Saint Peter's square during his weekly Angelus blessing at the Vatican, May 16, 2010.
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U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama meet with Pope Benedict at the Vatican, July 10, 2009.