Pope-Emeritus 101
Shortly after Benedict XVI announced his resignation as Roman pontiff,
effective 28 February, the following clarification on the future status
of the first Pope to retire in six centuries was issued by the lead
Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi:
Pope Benedict XVI has given his resignation freely, in accordance with Canon 332 §2 of the Code of Canon Law.
Pope Benedict XVI will not take part in the Conclave for the election of his successor.
Pope Benedict XVI will move to the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo when his resignation shall become effective.
When
renovation work on the monastery of cloistered nuns inside the Vatican
is complete, the Holy Father will move there for a period of prayer and
reflection.
As previously noted, canon
law makes no provision whatsoever for the protocols and prerogatives of
a retired Pope, so Benedict's preferences for his post-papacy will be
setting an epochal precedent, both for the office and the life of the
church it oversees.