Pope Benedict Now “Pope Emeritus”

Pope Benedict is no longer the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.  He resigned today after meeting with more than 100 cardinals who are in Rome to help elect his successor.  Benedict is the first Pope to step down in nearly 600 years.

He is now at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence just outside Rome.  Benedict was whisked away from Vatican City earlier today on a white helicopter in the final hours of his papacy.

Benedict's new title will be pope emeritus.  He tweeted to his followers, quote, "May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives."  Benedict says he will work for the common good with all his heart and prayers.

Benedict was elected pope in April of 2005.  He had been a close confidant of his predecessor, Pope John Paul the Second.

The Catholic church's ongoing scandal involving child abuse by priests in a number of countries was one of the challenges Benedict dealt with during his papacy.  He became the first pope ever to meet with some of those sexual abuse victims.  (Metro Network Inc.)