With just hours left in office, Pope Benedict XVI has left the Vatican and flown to the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo.
The first Pope to retire in six centuries, Benedict was accorded the usual security and protocol of a Head of State as he departed the Vatican.
At 8pm local time the Swiss Guard will vacate their posts at Castel Gandolfo, the papal apartments will be sealed and Benedict’s papal ring will be smashed.
The process of convening the Conclave that will elect Benedict’s replacement will begin tomorrow.
