The Air Force bids farewell to Pope Benedict XVI

The last flight of Pope Benedict XVI aboard a 31st Wing aircraft from Ciampino. At 8:00 PM, Benedict XVI's Pontificate ended, and the Pope Emeritus will spend a period of rest and prayer at the papal palace in the Alban Hills before returning to his new residence in the Vatican.
The 31st Wing, which has always ensured the transport of the Pontiff, joins in a deferential and heartfelt thank you to His Holiness, trusting to remain always in communion of prayer and present in the future intentions of the Pope Emeritus. The aircraft of the 31st Wing at Ciampino are used for state transport and public utility missions, such as the emergency medical transport of the sick, severely injured, and organs for transplantation, as well as for interventions for people in situations of risk. This latter activity, given the imminent danger to life of the people being transported, requires a level of readiness twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. Rai 1 – Broadcast ”A Sua Immagine” on 02/03/2013 at 5:16 PM