Pope Benedict XVI Holds Final Audience in St. Peter’s Square

Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI held his final general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Roughly 150,000 faithful filled the square to hear his address.

The pope officially retires tomorrow. He will be the first pope to do so in 600 years.

Amy Kellogg reported live from Rome about the process by which a new pope will be chosen.

The College of Cardinals is set to begin on March 4, at which point they will set a date for the conclave. The conclave is the process by which the cardinals elect a new pope. The conclave will likely begin around March 8. Cardinals will cast a few ballots every day until a new pope is elected. Black smoke will rise every time there is a failed ballot. When white smoke rises over the Vatican, there is a new pope.