27 February 2013 Last updated at 08:01
Pope Benedict XVI will appear in public for the last time today before he becomes the first pope to retire in almost six hundred years.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in St Peter's Square in the Italian capital of Rome to see him.
He's due to step down as leader of the Catholic church on Thursday.
His successor is expected to be announced before Easter.
Pope Benedict will carry on living in the Vatican City and plans to devote the rest of his life to study and prayer.
You can find out more about the leader of the Catholic Church in Newsround's guide to the Pope.
Pope Benedict XVI will appear in public for the last time today before he becomes the first pope to retire in almost six hundred years.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in St Peter's Square in the Italian capital of Rome to see him.
He's due to step down as leader of the Catholic church on Thursday.
His successor is expected to be announced before Easter.
Pope Benedict will carry on living in the Vatican City and plans to devote the rest of his life to study and prayer.
You can find out more about the leader of the Catholic Church in Newsround's guide to the Pope.