Swiss Guards leave post in Castel Gandolfo as papacy ends

Benedict XVI has officially ceased to be Pope, with Swiss Guards leaving their post at Castel Gandolfo at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The pontiff, aged 86, was earlier flown by helicopter from the Vatican to the retreat, where he said he "will simply be a pilgrim".

The protection of Benedict XVI has been taken over by Italian police.