Photos: Benedict becomes 1st pope in 600 years to resign
Benedict becomes 1st pope in 600 years to resign
Credit: Getty Images
ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28: Swis Guards close the gate of the Apostolic Palace closes after Pope Benedict XVI greeted the pilgrims, for the last time as head of the Catholic Church, from the window of Castel Gandolfo where he will start his retirement today on February 28, 2013 in Rome, Italy. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He will stay at the Papal Summer residence of Castel Gandolfo until renovations are complete at a monastery in the grounds of the Vatican and will be known as Roman pontiff emeritus or pope emeritus on February 28, 2013 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
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