Updated - Pope Benedict ended his eight-year reign this evening, becoming the first pontiff in six centuries to resign instead of ruling for life.

The papacy became officially vacant at 8 p.m.in keeping with the Pope's wishes when he announced his decision to resign on February 11.

The yellow and white papal flag was lowered and the Swiss Guard sentries withdrew from the entrance to the Castel Gandolfo papal summer residence south of Rome as the massive wooden doors of the hilltop building were closed.

Pope Benedict left the Vatican at 5 p.m. in a white Italian air force helicopter.

Before boarding the helicopter, Pope Benedict said goodbye to monsignors, Vatican staff and Swiss guards in the San Damaso courtyard of the Holy See's apostolic palace.

Cardinals will start preparatory meetings tomorrow to decide when to start a conclave to elect a new Pope.

See also:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130228/world/pope-benedict-pledges-obedience-to-successor.459478

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