Pope Benedict XVI Serves Last Day As Pontiff, Makes Way For New Pope

On Thursday at 8 p.m. in Italy (2 p.m. Eastern/1900 GMT) Pope Benedict XVI served his last day of papacy. Benedict has decided to step down and make way for a new pope. This is the first time in 600 years that a pope has not served for the duration of his life.

The resignation took effect three hours after Pop Benedict XVI had left Vatican City and flew to his summer residence, Castel Gandolfo.

Upon Pope Benedict XVI's exit, the papal doors of the Vatican were locked. They will not be reopened until a new Pope has officially been chosen.

During his ceremony, bells were played from St. Peter's Basilica as well as other churches in Rome. As Benedict XVI addressed the cardinals that would go to choosing his successor, the former pope stated that like the instruments of an orchestra, they should act harmoniously.

While there are no clear frontrunners in the race to be the next pope, there are likely candidates. Countries like the United States or Brazil, for example, could see their citizens become the next pope.

"We serve the church and all of humanity. This is our joy. No one can take that away from us,"