Pope Benedict XVI Resigns, Pledges “Unconditional Reverence and Obedience” To Successor
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 28: Pope Benedict XVI speaks to his cardinals during a farewell ceremony in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on February 28, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI will acquire the title 'Pope Emeritus' as he retires the pontificate today, and will travel to a papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome (Photo by L'Osservatore Romano / Vatican Pool via Getty Images)
Today was Benedict XVI's final day as head of the Catholic Church.
Pope Benedict met Thursday with the cardinals who will be responsible for electing his successor, urging them to keep the harmony of the Church in mind and pledging his support to whoever is chosen to follow his nearly eight year papacy.
It has been 600 years since a pope resigned, and though Benedict XVI seems to be doing his best to do so gracefully, there is some controversy surrounding his decision.
Still, thousands of faithful made their way to the Vatican to hear Benedict's final public address. Church officials will meet as early as Monday, March 4 to begin the process of choosing a successor.
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