Courtesy of NBCOn the final day of his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI said goodbye to cardinals at the Vatican on Thursday, saying "I will continue to be close to you."
Each cardinal greeted him individually, shaking hands and sharing a few words with the retiring pontiff.
Benedict announced on February 11 that he would step down, becoming the first living pope to quit his job in 598 years.
The pontiff also added, "the future pope is among you," and pledged his "unconditional reverence and obedience" to whoever is chosen as his successor.
He'll fly by helicopter to his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo where he will stay for two months.
The moment papacy ends--when the doors at Castel Gandolfo close at 8 p.m. Eastern time, the distinctive Swiss Guards in attendance will go off-duty.
At that moment pontiff will be known as pope emeritus.
He'll remain at his summer residence until his permanent home in a monastery within the Vatican is refurbished and ready for his arrival.
