Today is a historic moment for the Catholic Church. It is Pope Benedict the 16th's last day on the job.
He is the first pope in nearly 600 years to step down.
Pope Benedict abdicated overnight. Now, cardinals begin consultations ahead of a conclave to choose his successor.
As he retires, some will be left discussing his time as the leader of the Catholic Church. Many say Pope Benedict will be remembered as a good teacher but also a bad administrator.
An estimated 150,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square as Pope Benedict bid an emotional farewell at his last general audience.
"I will continue to accompany the Church with my prayers, and I ask each of you to pray for me and for the new pope," Pope Benedict said.
The pope leaves behind quite a legacy. He is considered by many as the greatest living theologian today. He penned more than 65 books, stretching from the classic "Introduction to Christianity" in 1968 to "Jesus of Nazareth" published last year. That work is considered by some to be his most important contribution to the church.
But along with that, the pontiff also leaves behind a legacy of scandal.
Just last year, one of the worst security breaches in the history of the Vatican took place. Confidential documents were stolen from his desk by his butler and leaked to a journalist.
And a history of child sex abuse has plagued his time as the leader of the church.
No matter what page of the history books you turn to, some say Pope Benedict will be most remembered for his dramatic resignation.
FOX 29's Steve Keeley reported live this morning at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City looking at the pope's legacy and what comes next for the church.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:23 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:23:02 GMT
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:19:45 GMT
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:21:46 GMT
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:39 AM EDT2013-05-16 12:39:06 GMT
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:57 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:57:53 GMT
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:06 PM EDT2013-05-26 01:06:21 GMT
Jasmine Moore should be getting ready to celebrate her 15th birthday Sunday. Instead she and several relatives are nursing burn wounds they suffered after fire ripped through their Cobbs Creek home.
A critically injured child along with her relatives are recovering at CHOP after an early morning fire. They say if not for a quick thinking family member things could have been a lot worse.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:00:47 GMT
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spent a day with folks preparing a veterans' cemetery for its day in the spotlight.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
