Pope to Retire

Pope Benedict XVI, at 7pm UK time tonight, became the first pope in 600 years to retire.

The 85-year-old hopped in a limousine before boarding a helicopter to the seaside retreat of Castel Gandolfo. He boarded the helicopter at 4pm local time with church bells ringing in the background, and tearful officials and members of the public waving him off.

After arriving at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's official summer retreat, he was presented with a an jubilant reception and addressed a crowd full of people for the very last time.

At the end of the day he would be "just a pilgrim in this world" he told them.

Prior to this speech the Pope had sent his final tweet from the @pontifex account, telling his 1.6 million followers: "Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives."

At 7pm UK time, his retirement was official as his Swiss guards stood down from duty, signifying that the position of pope had become vacant.

The pope is expected to spend the first two months of his retirement at Castel Gandolfo, before retreating from public life for good.

May we wish him all the best and a massive thank you for all that he has done in the past 8 years.