Pope Benedict XVI has vowed "unconditional obedience and reverence" to his eventual successor. He was speaking on his final day in office at the Vatican to his cardinals, one of whom will be elected next month to replace him.

In around 20 minutes, Benedict will start leaving the Vatican for the papal resort in the Italian town of Castel Gandolfo, where he will stay for two months before moving to a permanent residence in Mater Ecclesiae, an ex-nunnery within the ancient walls of the Vatican.