Pontiff gives his last Sunday blessing before he resigns
Posted:
Updated:
By LISA EVERS, Fox 5 News Reporter
MYFOXNY.COM -
Pope Benedict the 16th gave his last Sunday blessing before he resigns on Thursday.
Tens of thousands cheered and applauded as the Pontiff greeted them in seven different languages from his window high above Saint Peter's Square.
The Pope thanked the pilgrims for their prayers and support over the past three weeks. The 85-year-old Pontiff told the crowd he is not abandoning the Roman Catholic Church and that he will continue to serve and love the church by praying and meditating during retirement.
Right now the Catholic Church is rocked by reports of a Vatican scandal, but Catholics at St. Patrick's Cathedral say their faith is strong and will see them through.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan said his last mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral before he leaves for the conclave in Rome to select the next Pope. Some believe he would be the ideal successor to Pope Benedict, but his eminence has dismissed the speculation.
After mass, he urged support for the ailing Pontiff.
This week the eyes of the world will turn toward Rome and the replacement of Pope Benedict. Italian newspapers sat there's a secret dossier compiled by three Cardinals that alleges scandals involving money, sex and power. Catholics here are dealing with the disturbing allegations in their own ways.
"This doesn't shake my faith, it's bigger than this," said one parishioner.
"I feel what they do over there doesn't so much affect the church here, but they do need to make reforms."
Whatever their position on the recent developments, many of the faithful Fox 5 spoke with say they hope Pope Benedict's successor is more in touch with the times and launches effective reforms.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:13:21 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people were injured, three in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car jumped the curb on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning injuring eight people. Witnesses say the Nissan was traveling at a high speed before it took out the store front, trees, bicycles, a light post and a fire hydrant.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:04 GMT
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
