Speaking in London on Tuesday , one of Britain 's most senior Roman Catholics , the former Archbishop of Westminster , Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor , described the circumstances of O'Brien 's resignation as `` very sad . '' Benedict XVI will keep his name and still be addressed as ` ` his successor '' 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. Sunday , the Swiss Guards will leave San Gandolfo . They are already gathering in Rome ahead of their meeting to choose the pope 's successor .
Benedict XVI will keep his name and still be addressed as ` ` his successor '' 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. Sunday , the Swiss Guards will leave San Gandolfo . They are already gathering in Rome ahead of their meeting to choose the pope 's successor .