Grazie, Bretagna

And so, after a four-day trip that the Vatican spokesman's already dubbed a "spiritual success" -- and with the locals speaking of a "Benedict bounce" -- the Pope departs the UK for Rome within the hour.

B16's farewell address at Birmingham Airport still to come, for those who missed any of the events -- or simply want to see 'em again -- on-demand video of each event of the four-day trek is slowly but surely making its way onto the official PopeTrip page.

Suffice it to say, the many impressions of these days -- and above all, the full impact of its numerous texts -- will take a bit more time to shake out... in the meanwhile, though, let's start with one particularly memorable passage from Thursday's homily at Glasgow's Bellahouston Park:

Finally, I would like to say a word to you, my dear young Catholics of Scotland. I urge you to lead lives worthy of our Lord (cf. Eph 4:1) and of yourselves. There are many temptations placed before you every day – drugs, money, sex, pornography, alcohol – which the world tells you will bring you happiness, yet these things are destructive and divisive.

There is only one thing which lasts: the love of Jesus Christ personally for each one of you. Search for him, know him and love him, and he will set you free from slavery to the glittering but superficial existence frequently proposed by today’s society. Put aside what is worthless and learn of your own dignity as children of God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks us to pray for vocations: I pray that many of you will know and love Jesus Christ and, through that encounter, will dedicate yourselves completely to God, especially those of you who are called to the priesthood and religious life. This is the challenge the Lord gives to you today: the Church now belongs to you!

PHOTO: Getty

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