Pope Benedict XVI's tenure ended Thursday after an eight-year term as the head of the Catholic church. He became to first pope to resign in six centuries.
"Thank you for your love and support," the pope tweeted from his Pontifex account. "May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives."
As church bells rang across Rome, the pope was driven to a helipad in Vatican City where he then took a 15 minute flight to Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence, where he assumed the title "pope emeritus" after 8 p.m. local time.
He was greeted at the papal residence by a crowd of supporters.
"I am simply a pilgrim beginning the last leg of his pilgrimage on this earth," he told them, according to ABC News.
Benedict urged the cardinals charged with finding his replacement to act "like an orchestra" and find harmony moving forward, the ABC News reported.The 85-year-old pope's last day as spend bidding farewell to his colleagues. In retirement he will lead a secluded life of prayer, the report stated.
The Swiss Guard, the world's oldest standing army, left the pope's side once his retirement officially took effect at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. EST).
Christopher Kerzich, a Chicago resident studying at the Pontifical North American College of Rome, said he is excited to see what comes next, despite feeling sad over the pope's departure.
"Many Catholics have come to love this pontiff, this very humble man," Kerzich said to ABC News. "He is a man who's really fought this and prayed this through and has peace in his heart. I take comfort in that and I think a lot of Catholics should take comfort in that."
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