Pope Benedict XVI officially resigned, on Thursday, saying that he now “will simply be a pilgrim” starting his last journey on earth. The pontiff, aged 85, was flown by helicopter from the Vatican to his retreat at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

The College of Cardinals, headed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, is now in charge of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics until a new pope is elected. Benedict vowed “unconditional obedience and reverence” to his successor.

He stepped down after nearly eight years in office – the first Pontiff to do so in 600 years, since Gregory XII in 1415. Benedict officially ceased to be the Pope at 20.00pm on Thursday, the 28th of February, 2013.

The resignation was marked by the papal Swiss Guards stepping down from their posts at Castel Gandolfo to return to the Vatican. The protection of Benedict was taken over by Vatican police.

In his retirement, Benedict will wear a simple white cassock rather than his papal clothes, and swap his famous red shoes – the colour is symbolic of the blood of the early Christian martyrs – for brown. His ‘Fisherman’s Ring,’ the special signet ring which contains the Pope’s name and is impressed to validate certain official documents, is expected to be destroyed along with the lead seal of the pontificate.

Benedict XVI is now “Pontiff emeritus” or “Pope emeritus,” as Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the Holy See Press Office, reported in a press conference on the final day of the current pontificate.

He will keep the name of “His Holiness, Benedict XVI” and will dress in a simple white cassock without the mozzetta (elbow-length cape). The long-time theologian is expected eventually to retire to a monastery on a hill inside Vatican City, with officials saying he will not be able intervene publicly in the papacy of his successor, though he may offer advice.

The conclave of 115 cardinals is expected to meet at the Vatican on Monday morning to start planning the election of the next pope. Pope Benedict XVI has admitted he faced “choppy waters” during his eight years at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church, but says “he was guided by God and felt his presence every day.”

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