March 1, 2013. (Romereports.com) In his first hours as Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI was very serene and calm. After saying farewell from his balcony, he had dinner, prayed and took a walk. According to the Vatican's spokesman, he also slept quite well.
 
“I spoke with  Benedict XVI's secretary over the phone, and he told me the Pope was very calm, relaxed and had slept very well. He told me this with a very friendly tone of voice, which gives me the impression that it has been a time of peace for him,” said father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican's spokesman.

With the Pope's resignations all heads of Vatican Departments temporarily lose their posts.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who is also the so called chamberlain is responsible for the management and day to day affairs of the Holy See until a new Pope is elected.

Through a letter, all nunciatures have been officially informed about Benedict XVI's resignation. His Papal apartment was sealed as was the elevator that leads to it.
Also, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the Cardinals, sent an official letter to every cardinal summoning them to Rome, as soon as possible to elect the next Pope.

The next meeting will be held on Monday March 4th at 9: 30 a.m.

In the following days the Cardinals will vow to obey the Universi Dominici Gregis constitution, which regulates the papal transition. Then, as they decide on what date the Conclave will begin, they will discuss what profile the next Pope should have.


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