Pope Benedict XVI Steps Down Officially Today 28th Feb 2013.

The Pope will officially step down today 28th of February 2013 and will take on the title Emeritus Pope. Elected in April 19 2005, he attributed his decision to step down to health issues saying, the world is changing and someone vibrant and energetic needs to take on the Holy See of St Peter.
He will retire to a life of prayers and meditation in a retreat in the Vatican city, away from public eye.
Cardinals are currently setting up a conclave to elect the new Pope who could be the first Black African or South American pope to a See previously only kept for Italians. Pope Benedict is the first European Pope to wear the ring of St Peters. He is the first Pope to Abdicate for 600 years. He will say goodbye to his personal staff and Cardinals after presiding over the last service as pope yesterday 27th and then retire to a retreat stone throw away from where the next pope will be living. He will make a balcony appearance to say a final farewell to the public.

He will give up his Red Shoes, His: The Fisher Man's Ring will be crushed with a special hammer and his official seal will be destroyed signalling the end of his reign.

We all wish him well.