Vatican Update: Pope Emeritus

February 26, 2013: Over 50,000 tickets have been distributed for the Last General Audience of Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday, revealed Vatican spokesperson Fr. Frederico Lombardi, at a Press conference on Tuesday. After the General Audience, the Pope will meet with some dignities in the Clementine Hall in the Vatican. They include President of Slovakia, President of Bavaria, Prince of Andorra, and representatives San Marino.

On Thursday, at 11 am, the Pontiff will meet the Cardinals. However the precise number of Cardinals meeting the Pope is not yet known, the spokesperson added.

The end of Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate, at 20:00, Thursday February 28th, will be marked by the stepping down of the Pontifical Swiss Guard from the gates to the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo. At that time they will end their active duty, because their service is specifically linked to the Petrine ministry. The gates closing on these men, who swear an oath to protect the life of the Holy Roman Pontiff, will thus be the final act and lasting image of Benedict XVI’s eight year Pontificate.

As to how to call Pope Benedict XVI, after his resignation, Fr. Lombardi said that he will continue to be called His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus. He will continue to wear white, a simple white cassock without a cape, but he will not wear the signatory red shoes, choosing instead the brown leather shoes gifted him in Leon, Mexico last year and with which he is very happy.

Moreover his fisherman’s ring and papal seal will be destroyed as they pertain specifically to the Papal office. All of these decisions on the future of Benedict XVI once the clock strikes eight pm on Thursday were taken by the Holy Father himself, in collaboration with the camerlegno and pontifical household, said Fr. Lombardi

At 20:00 the Vacant See begins. The following day, March 1, Fr. Lombardi confirmed that the Cardinal Sodano will officially convoke the Cardinals to Rome. He added that as March 1 is Friday the general congregations not begin on Saturday or Sunday, but "in all probability” will begin on Monday, March 4. The meetings which will determine the start of Conclave among other things, will be held in the New Synod Hall.

Fr. Lombardi also confirmed that there will be daily press briefings with general information of from the Congregations for journalists following the event.