BREAKING NEWS

Pope Benedict leaves Vatican before abdication

By REUTERS

FEBRUARY 28, 2013 18:23

VATICAN CITY- Pope Benedict left the Vatican on Thursday and headed to the papal summer residence where he will become the first pontiff in six centuries to resign instead of ruling for life.

A white Italian air force helicopter lifted off from the Vatican's heliport to fly the 85-year-old pope to Castel Gandolfo, just south of Rome, where at 8 p.m. (1900 GMT) he will resign and leave the papacy vacant.

Before heading south, the helicopter circled Vatican City and flew over the Colosseum and other Rome landmarks to give the pontiff one last view of the city where he is also bishop.

Bells rang out from St Peter's Basilica and churches all over the city as his helicopter passed overhead.

Before boarding the helicopter, Benedict said goodbye to monsignors, nuns, Vatican staff and Swiss guards in the San Damaso courtyard of the Holy See's apostolic palace. Many of his staff had tears in their eyes as the helicopter left.

Cardinals will start preparatory meetings on Friday to decide when to start a conclave to elect a new pope.

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