New pope to be elected after March 15

The Conclave of Cardinals to elect a new pope after Benedict XVI steps down later this month will be held from March 15, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said on Wednesday. "The beginning of the conclave cannot be before March 15. We have to expect a conclave starting on the 15th, 16th, 17th 18th or 19th," he said. Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI made his first public appearance on Wednesday since his shock resignation announcement, asking thousands of cheering pilgrims at the Vatican to "keep praying for me". The 85-year-old pontiff was greeted by a standing ovation and chants of "Benedetto", his name in Italian, at his weekly audience in the Paul VI auditorium, with a prominent banner reading "Thank You, Holiness". Benedict, looking drawn and tired but appearing relieved to have put the momentous announcement behind him, said he had made his decision "for the good of the Church" adding: "Keep praying for me, for the Church and for the future pope." Wearing his workaday white cassock and skullcap, the pontiff -- the first to resign voluntarily in 700 years -- said he could feel the faithful's love "almost physically in these difficult days". In a related development, Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi praised Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign, adding that his announcement left a "positive shock in the hearts." Speaking to Naharnet News, al-Rahi said that "the Pope is giving us a great example about faith and modesty." He added the decision sets an “example to every one serving the church, the society and the states.” Sources: AFP, Naharnet