Pope Benedict the 16th has left the Vatican, after pledging unconditional obedience to whoever succeeds him to guide the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict the 16th has left the Vatican, after pledging unconditional obedience to whoever succeeds him to guide the Roman Catholic Church.

Benedict is the first pope to step down in six centuries. He flew off in a white Italian air force helicopter for a papal summer villa south of the capital, where he will take up temporary residence.

Bells rang out from St Peter's Basilica and churches all over Rome as the helicopter circled Vatican City and flew over the city's landmarks.

Benedict made a final public farewell in front of his temporary residence outside Rome, and said he was preparing to enter the last phase of his life. With the papacy officially vacant, cardinals assembled from around the world will begin planning the conclave that will elect his successor.

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