Pope: After February 28 he will continue to be called Benedict XVI, wear a simple white cassock, but not the red shoes
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - He will continue to be called "His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI", his title will be "Pope Emeritus" or Roman Pontiff emeritus, he will "wear the simple white cassock, without a cape, he will not wear the characteristic red shoes, but" is that the Pope is 'very happy' with the shoes gifted him in Leon on his last visit to Mexico and expects to continue to use them because they are very comfortable". And finally, he will no longer wear the "fisherman's ring", because it is linked to the pontifical ministry, both it and the seal "will be destroyed". Theses are the formal aspects of the future of the Pope - which he agreed to himself - after 8pm February 28, as described today by Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Press Office of the Holy See. At that time the Swiss Guard will step down from active duty, because their service is specifically linked to the papal ministry. The great door of the palace of Castel Gandolfo will be closed. Of course the Vatican Gendarmerie will continue to ensure safety.
This will mark the end of his pontificate, but on Tuesday Benedict XVI's day followed routine, no audiences and no public discourses. While "many messages of farewell, closeness and gratitude," have arrived from all across the world also from "personalities of great importance," his final days are dedicated to prayer - at this time the whole Church is invited to pray - and to preparation for tomorrow appointments and those of the day after tomorrow "as well as preparation of the move, sorting between documents of a more personal nature and those relating to the Petrine ministry."
Tomorrow, for his last general audience, the prefecture of the pontifical household has already distributed 50 thousand tickets. Of course, people can come, even without a ticket. "The audience program is more or less the usual, with a longer tour of the square among the faithful. There will be a regular catechesis, but in some way related to the fact that this is the last audience." After the general audience there will be a "baciamano" in the Clementine Hall, from some leading figures, among others, the President of Slovakia, the captains regent of San Marino, the president of Bavaria, the Prince of Andorra.
On Thursday morning, at 11, there will be a farewell greeting with all of the cardinals present in Rome. Large numbers are expected even if the exact number is not yet known. There will be a greeting from the dean of the College of Cardinals and then the Pope's personal greetings to individual cardinals.
In the afternoon, the Pope will bid farewell to the pontifical household at 16.55, departing by car from the San Damaso courtyard. There will be Secretary of State officials and the Swiss Guard bearing the flag. From there, the Pope will go to the heliport where he will be greeted by the Cardinal dean. Shortly after 17 he will leave for Castel Gandolfo, where he will arrive at 17.15. At 17.30 he will make a brief greeting to greet the faithful of the Diocese of Albano from the central balcony of the Apostolic Palace. This will be the last public appearance of Benedict XVI.
At 20:00 hundred hours the Vacant See begins. The next day, March 1, the Cardinal Dean will send an official letter of invitation to all Cardinals. Given that March 1 is Friday, probably the general congregations will begin "as soon as possible", but not on Saturday or Sunday, "in all probability Monday, March 4." The meeting's will take place in the New Synod Hall.
Regarding the General Congregations, Father Lombardi noted the Cardinals themselves will establish the timetable for their meetings and the start date of the Conclave. The cardinals will not reside in Santa Marta residence until the eve of the Conclave. This in view of organization of accommodation in the residence which , as envisaged by the constitution "Roman Pontifical eligendo", is allocated by drawing lots. (FP)
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