Pope Benedict sits with the cardinals of the Catholic Church for the last time before his resignation.<br/> <br />The pontiff steps down on Thursday, leaving the cardinals to choose his successor.<br/> <br />In his farewell speech Benedict pledged his unconditional reverence and obedience to the next pope.<br/> <br />He said he will pray for the cardinals so that God may guide them in their deliberations.<br/> <br />Benedict's meeting with the cardinals came just nine hours before his resignation, leaving the 2000 year old post vacant.<br/> <br />The cardinals - who have assembled from around the world - will hold their first meeting about electing a new pope on Friday.<br/> <br />But a decision about when the cardinals should enter the Sistine Chapel for voting may not come until next week.
