<p><br /> Britain's historic papal visit has come to an end as Benedict XVI gave his final wave from the steps of his plane.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Pontiff boarded his specially-prepared aircraft at Birmingham Airport on a windy Sunday evening after thanking the nation for its hospitality.<br /> </p><p><br /> In speeches to a small crowd of dignitaries on the airport's apron, both he and Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to strengthen relationships between Britain and the Vatican.<br /> </p><p><br /> The hustle and bustle of the airport continued throughout the day, with holidaymakers oblivious to frantic behind-the-scenes preparations for the Pontiff's departure.<br /> </p><p><br /> Hours before his arrival, police and officials swarmed round the Alitalia plane, checking every detail, while officials practised "walk-throughs" on a specially-laid cross-shaped red carpet.<br /> </p><p><br /> The faithful hoping to catch one last view of the Pope had been warned to stay away, but holidaymakers may have managed to grab a glance from their planes as commercial airlines continued to take off and land.<br /> </p>
