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Watch the Pope Leave the Vatican by Helicopter
Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation is the first the world has seen in nearly 600 years
AP
Pope Benedict XVI is saluted by Swiss guards as he leaves the Synod hall after a meeting with Cardinals and Bishops at the Vatican, Friday, Feb. 17, 2012. The Pontiff is scheduled to name 22 new Cardinals in a Consistory, Saturday Feb. 18, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Pope Benedict XVI’s departure from the Apostolic Palace to the summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, will be covered by more than two dozen television cameras and broadcast by the Vatican Television Center.
Monsignor Vigano said the Pope’s departure by helicopter "will be a historic moment" and is considered extraordinary documentation of his last day.
The Pope's resignation is the first the world has seen in nearly 600 years. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi insisted last week that Benedict does not have a serious illness in particular.
The Vatican announced Tuesday that Benedict will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement, be called "Your Holiness," and continue to wear the white cassock associated with the papacy. He will continue to live in the Vatican. When asked why Benedict is not returning to his native Germany, Lombardi said Benedict has been living in the Vatican for more than 30 years.
