Benedict to Be Called “Emeritus Pope”

The pope will still keep his "holiness" title and wear white when his successor takes over. Benedict XVI will be called "pope emeritus Benedict XVI" or "Roman Pontiff emeritus Benedict XVI" and be referred to as "His Holiness Benedict XVI," the Vatican also announced. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said Benedict will no longer wear red "shoes of the fisherman" and will wear brown loafers given to him during a trip to Mexico last year instead, Reuters reported. His lead seal and “ring of the fisherman” ring of office will be destroyed in accordance with church rules. Benedict is set to hold his last public event of his papacy on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Square before greeting cardinals in Rome the following day. Benedict’s final public appearance as pope will be Thursday from a papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

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