(VATICAN CITY) -- Once the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI takes effect later this week, he will be called emeritus pope and will continue to wear white, the Vatican said Tuesday.

Benedict is leaving it up to the cardinals of the Catholic Church to decide when  to start the meeting that will choose his successor.

He changed the rules, allowing the cardinals to move up the conclave's start date before the usual 15-day waiting period ends.

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