Benedict vows ‘unconditional obedience’ to future pope

VATICAN CITY—Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday vowed “unconditional obedience and reverence” to his successor on his final day as leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

“Among you there is also the future pope to whom I promise my unconditional obedience and reverence,” the pope said in farewell remarks to cardinals assembled in the Vatican.