(CNN) -- Pope Benedict XVI delivered his final Angelus prayer to a crowd of thousands gathered at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Sunday, as he prepares to retire. Here is the full text of his sermon: Dear brothers and sisters. During the service on the second Lent Sunday, the Gospel of the Transfiguration of the Lord is always presented. Luke, the evangelist, has highlighted the fact that Jesus transfigured while he prayed. His is a deep, profound experience of relationship with the Father during a sort of spiritual retreat that Jesus lives on a high mount accompanied by Peter, James and John, the three disciples who were always present during the moments of the divine manifestation of the Master.
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Pope Benedict XVI delivered his final Angelus prayer and blessing Sunday
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He will step down as pontiff on Thursday, retire into a life of meditation and prayer
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Benedict insists his departure from the papacy "does not mean abandoning the Church"
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Instead he says he will continue to serve "in a way adapted to my age and my strength"
During @placeholder, let us learn to give the right time to prayer, both personal and community prayer, which breathes air into our spiritual life.