Pope Benedict is done with his last public Mass as leader of the Roman Catholic Church.  Benedict was greeted with thunderous applause at St. Peter's Basilica for today's Ash Wednesday service.  He basked in the applause for a while, and then called on the faithful to return to prayer. He presided over the ceremony and helped distribute Communion.

Benedict announced his intention to resign earlier this week.  He said he knew his decision to resign his post was momentous, but he didn't feel it would hurt the Church.  He said he was unable to carry out his duties as pope with all the physical and spiritual force required.  He'll be the first Pope in centuries to resign.