Devotees gather for Pope Benedict XVI’s final general audience of his pontificate on St Peter's square, at the Vatican. On the eve of his historic resignation as leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, faithful offer their admiration, respect and loving act in honor to Pope Benedict XVI from all over the world. The pope has two days left before he takes the historic step of becoming the first pontiff in some six centuries to step down instead of ruling for life. —Photos and texts by Agencies