Benedict XVI's papacy comes to historic end...
Benedict XVI's time as pope came to a historic end Thursday, as he became the first pontiff in six centuries to resign as leader of the world's Roman Catholics, who now number 1.2 billion. Torchlit crowds stood before the gates of the Castel Gandolfo residence, waiting to see the Swiss Guards, the soldiers who traditionally protect the pope, salute and close the doors on the stroke of 8 p.m. The guards' departure from the papal summer home brings Benedict's papacy to a formal end. The protection of Benedict there falls now to Vatican police. The process of transition to that new pope now begins. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church is without a leader... ** for more info click the link below http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/28/world/europe/vatican-pope-resignation/index.html?c=world