Vatican Pope to be called 'emeritus pope'

Once he resigns on Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI will be known as His Holiness, Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus.

He will wear a simple white cassock and no longer wear red shoes, according to the Vatican spokesman.

Speaking to reporters at the Vatican, Father Thomas Rosica revealed on Tuesday a series of details about Benedict XVI after his resignation at 8pm on Thursday.

He intends to wear some comfortable brown loafers that he was given in Mexico on his trip there last year.

The Pope will also give up his fisherman's ring, which will be destroyed, and go back to wearing an episcopal ring that he wore when he was a Cardinal.

Pope Benedict XVI leaves the Vatican at 5pm (4pm GMT) local time to fly to Castel Gandolfo on Thursday and his resignation takes effect at 8pm (7pm GMT).

The Pope's spokesman said the only sign of his resignation at 8pm will be the Swiss Guard leaving the doorway at Castel Gandolfo.


AP