Pope Benedict XVI recalls joy and 'choppy waters'

27 February 2013 Last updated at 13:34 ET Help

Pope Benedict XVI has given his final general audience at the Vatican in front of thousands of pilgrims who gathered in St Peter's Square.

The Pope, 85, said he faced "choppy waters" during his eight years at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church but was guided by God and felt his presence every day.

He will retire on Thursday - the first pope to abdicate since Gregory XII in 1415 - and his successor will be chosen in a conclave in March.

Allan Little reports.

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