Pope Benedict XVI has left the building.
After pledging his loyalty to a yet-to-be-named successor, Benedict on Thursday left the Vatican on a helicopter ride to Castel Gandolfo, a town outside Rome. He officially retires at 8pm local time, when he will take up the title of “pope emeritus.”
Video of his departure:
Benedict delivered his message on the occasion of his farewell meeting to cardinals, at the Vatican on Thursday.