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.
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."
Tuesday, May 14 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-05-14 17:18:57 GMT
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:34:58 GMT
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:53:52 GMT
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:54:45 GMT
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard."
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard": it will stretch from 44th Street on Broadway all the way to 34th Street.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:03:04 GMT
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:17 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:17:46 GMT
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
