By: CBS4 Newsroom
newsroom@cbs4qc.com
Updated at 10:50am
VATICAN CITY (AP) _ Benedict XVI has left the Vatican for the last time as pope, flying by helicopter to the Vatican's vacation retreat hours before becoming the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.
As his closest aide wept by his side, Benedict bade farewell to Vatican officials gathered in the San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, a corps of Swiss Guards standing by at attention.
Benedict traveled by car to the helipad on the top of the hill of the Vatican gardens and boarded a helicopter along with his secretary, Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, for the 15-minute trip to Castel Gandolfo. Bells tolled as the helicopter took off.
Before leaving, Benedict pledged his "unconditional reverence and obedience'' to his successor.
Pope Benedict will meet the Cardinals for the last time this morning. His resignation will officially go into effect at 8:00PM local time.
By: Kylen Mills
kmills@cbs4qc.com
The Pope's resignation sparks discussion not only worldwide, but right here in the QCA.
Dr. Corinne Winter of the St. Ambrose Theology Department tells us this historic occasion is a huge change for the Catholic Church.
"It breaks new ground in terms of the Pope's recognition of the strenuous nature of his position. And the need for that kind of physical energy," said Winter.
Dr. Winter adds that while this is a big step, there's no sense of panic or fear amongst the Catholic community.
"I would say basically it's quite peaceful, there's a great deal of interest, there's a great deal of hope and prayer around it," said Winter.
With this feeling of hope, many in the community look forward to the upcoming election.
Dr. Winter says that while they haven't formally celebrated Pope Benedict, the theology department will celebrate the election.
We also spoke with a representative from the Davenport Diocese, who says that they plan to recognize the election of a new pope as well.
The election process starts when conclave is called, which could happen anytime. Once the Cardinals meet it could take days or even weeks for them to make a decision.
