Pope Benedict XVI is holding his last scheduled public Mass, for Ash Wednesday, in St Peter's Basilica.

Ash Wednesday begins Lenten season, a period of penitence before Easter.

The Vatican says the 85-year-old will continue with his usual agenda until the day he officially retires at the end of February.

It says a new Pope will be in place by the end of Lent, in six weeks' time.

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