Emeritus Pope will get new title and new wardrobe after retiring
The retired pope's new title:
After Feb. 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI's new title will be "emeritus pope."
The retired's new wardrobe:
The emeritus pope will continue to wear a white cassock. He will no longer wear his trademark red shoes.
The 15-day waiting period has been moved up. On Monday, March 4 a total of 115 cardinals under the age of 80 are expected in Rome for the conclave to vote on who should become the next pope.
Pope Benedict XVI's retirement becomes official on Feb. 28, 2013 at 8 p.m. At that exact time, the Swiss Guards standing outside the doors of the palazzo at Castel Gandolfo will go off duty because their service for protecting the head of the Catholic Church would have ended. Benedict's personal security will then be handled by the Vatican police.
Pope Benedict's lead seal and his ring of office will be destroyed according to the rules of the church, just as if he had died.