Local clergy in Vatican for Benedict farewell

A number of Meath priests joined the crowds wishing farewell to Pope Benedict XVI on final days at the Vatican. What has been described as the largest crowd since the death of Blessed John Paul II, packed St Peter's Square for Pope Benedict XVI's final General Audience. Present were more than 150,000 people ranging from mothers who had left their children to school, young people with drums, groups with banners, priests of the Diocese of Rome, clergy, nuns and lay people from all over the world, and scores of Cardinals who have already arrived for the conclave. Among those in attendance were Fr Mark Mohan (CC Trim), Fr Tony Gonoude (CC Holy Family, Drogheda) and Fr Kevin Heery (CC Navan). Fr Kevin Heery sums up the scene in the Eternal City: "These are amazing and historic days, with huge crowds in St Peter's Square filled with overwhelming emotions, some festive and some sad. People came here to say goodbye to Pope Benedict XVI and to thank him for his wisdom, his teaching and the example of his humility, even as he steered the boat of the Church one last time."