Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Pope To Give Final Audience Pope Benedict is preparing for his final audience as head of the Roman Catholic Church before stepping down from his post on Thursday. Pope Benedict is scheduled to appear in St. Peter`s Square on Wednesday to lead prayers and meet with his followers one last time. Some 50,000 tickets have been distributed, but officials say they expect thousands more to turn up for the historic occasion. The papal audience is a weekly occurrence, but this final one has drawn much more attention than usual. On Thursday, the pope is scheduled to meet with his cardinals before being transported by helicopter to Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence. There, at the hour when his rule officially ends, the Swiss guards who care for the head of the Roman Catholic Church will officially take their leave. Some believers have been disturbed by the announcement that after his retirement Benedict will be referred to as "emeritus pope" and continue wearing the white garments he wore while serving as pope. Critics say his presence in the Church could create tension with the new, ruling pope. But church authorities insist the transition will be a peaceful one and that Benedict`s presence will not cast a shadow over the new leader. Benedict has said his goal after stepping down is to live quietly in prayer and meditation , in his words "hidden to the world." __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/pope-to-give-final-audience/1611547.h tml References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/pope-to-give-final-audience/1611547.html