BALCONY DOORS OPEN

Just minutes ago, the balcony doors swung open at the papal palace overlooking the main square in Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Benedict XVI will say the last public words of his papacy.

Two aides came out and draped a crimson banner emblazoned with the papal seal off the balcony's railing.

The first signs of movement inside the palace set off a round of cheering from the few hundred people jamming the tiny square.

— Frances D'Emilio — Twitter http://twitter.com/fdemilio

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"Pope Live" follows the events of the final day of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy as seen by journalists from The Associated Press around the world. It will be updated throughout the day with breaking news and other items of interest. Follow AP reporters on Twitter where available.