Step inside Pope Benedict's temporary new home

Feb. 27, 2013, 10:01 AM EST

By PhotoBlog

The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, Pope's summer residence, on the outskirts of Rome. Pope Benedict XVI will officially step down on Feb. 28. On the last day of his pontificate, the Pope is due to take a helicopter to Castel Gandolfo where he will stay during the conclave.Alessandro Di Meo / EPA

Gardens at Castel GandolfoAlessandro Di Meo / EPA

By Alastair Jamieson, Staff writer, NBC News

Pope Benedict will leave his residence inside the Vatican and travel by helicopter to his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, about 15 miles south-east of Rome at about 4.55 p.m. local time (10:55 a.m. ET) Thursday. His papacy will officially end at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET).

After stepping down, the pope will keep his name, His Holiness Benedict XVI, but get a new official title, "Emeritus Pope." The Vatican on Tuesday said he would wear a simple white cassock and swap his traditional red shoes for a pair of brown leather loafers he was given on his trip to Leon in Mexico last year. Continue reading.

Editor's note: These pictures were taken on Feb. 20 and 21.

A light switch bears the Papal seal.Alessandro Di Meo / EPA

Details of a chair inside the Chinese RoomAlessandro Di Meo / EPA

A view of Castel Gandolfo lake is seen from inside the summer residence of Pope Benedict XVI in Castel Gandolfo.Max Rossi / Reuters

The Apostolic Palace and the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo on Lake Albano will be Pope Benedict XVI's residence during the next Conclave, in Rome, Italy.Franco Origlia / Getty Images

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