Pope Benedict XVI has said goodbye to the UK after his four-day state visit. Before climbing the steps to the papal plane, he thanked all those who had made him feel so welcome.

David Cameron told the Pope he had made the country "sit up and think" with his words during the visit. The prime minister said faith was "a vital part of our national conversation", and "not a problem for legislators to solve".

The Pope held a private meeting at St Mary's College, Oscott, with the bishops of England, Scotland and Wales. He urged them to do more to encourage new recruits to join the Catholic priesthood.

Under the ever-watchful eye of Vatican security, the Pope took a moment to meet the student priests at St Mary's College before heading to the airport. There are currently 28 seminarians in "formation" at the college, 10 from outside the UK.

The Pope began the final day of his visit at Cofton Park in Birmingham. About 50,000 people gathered to watch him celebrate the beatification Mass of 19th Century theologian Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Pilgrims travelled through the night to get to Cofton Park and afterwards, many described it as a deeply moving experience.

Young and old braved the less than favourable weather to see the beatification - the first ever to take place on British soil.

Many worshippers made banners to wave during Mass. Protests took place on Saturday in London against the Pope's visit, with those involved angry at a number of Vatican policies.

Church of England Bishop of Winchester Michael Scott-Joynt and Bishop of Guildford Christopher Hill kept warm by drinking coffee.

The Pope kissed and blessed a baby as he made his way through the crowds at Cofton Park towards the main stage.

All the waiting was worth it for the crowds when the Pope finally took to the stage. He said Cardinal Newman had been a great personal inspiration to him.