AFP: The Vatican prepared for a momentous transition after Pope Benedict XVI announced he will resign on February 28, starting with a special mass tomorrow and culminating in a final farewell in St Peter's Square on the eve of his departure.        

The rumour mill over a successor was into full swing after what will be only the second voluntary papal resignation in he Catholic Church's 2,000-year history, although no clear favourite has emerged.        

The 85-year-old Benedict told cardinals in a speech in Latin yesterday that he will step down after just eight years because he could no longer fulfil his duties in a fast-changing world. Benedict will have no influence on the election of his successor -- he is too old to be eligible to vote.        

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said the Vatican had not yet decided what title the pope will have once he resigns, but said among those being considered was "Bishop Emeritus of Rome".        

The Vatican said the pope had an operation to replace the batteries in his pacemaker but said the surgery had no bearing on his decision, amid speculation that the resignation was due to health reasons. The Holy See has emphasised that Benedict's decision part of a long thought process.