It has been determined indeed that Pope Benedict XVI upon his retirement from the Papacy effective 28 February 2013 at 8.00 pm Rome time, he will still be called “Your Holiness” as he is now, and he will retain the title “Benedict XVI”, which is his chosen regnal name, and hence, he will be called, “Your Holiness Benedict XVI”.
He will also, like all other diocesan bishops, who once retired, take up the name Bishop/Archbishop Emeritus of his diocesan see, thus, Pope Benedict XVI, as the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, will also be known simply as the Bishop Emeritus of Rome.
What do I think about this? Well, after 28 February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI indeed will be no longer our Pope, but in effect, he never actually completely relinquish the Papacy, just as all other retired bishops remain as bishops and can remain active if they choose to do so, therefore the Pope too, even though not officially our Pope anymore, but our respect to him will always remain the same, and we will always remember him as our beloved Pope, who had done so much for the good of the Church.
He has chosen a quiet life in retirement and prayer, and dedicated himself fully to God, which is truly a noble choice, setting himself aside that someone else with the potential and vigour to step in and make the Church, which he had made good, becomes even better in the future.
Pray for our Pope Benedict XVI and his successor.
petercanisiusmichaeldavidkang 