Benedict XVI will keep his name and still be addressed as `` his holiness '' after he resigns . He will give up the red mantle and shoes of the pope and dress in a simple white robe . As he leaves office at 8 p.m. Thursday , the Swiss Guards will leave Castel Gandolfo . The pontiff will keep the name Benedict XVI and still be addressed as `` his holiness '' once he retires , Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told reporters at the Vatican . The Vatican has been under siege for weeks by protesters who want to see him removed from power.
Benedict XVI will keep his name and still be addressed as `` his holiness '' after he resigns . He will give up the red mantle and shoes of the pope and dress in a simple white robe . As he leaves office at 8 p.m. Thursday , the Swiss Guards will leave Castel Gandolfo . The Vatican has been under siege for weeks by protesters who want to see him removed from power.