>> reporter: and a very unchurch-like standing ovation in the basilica where popes are both announced and buried. earlier in the day, in his weekly audience, benedict told a packed hall that he understood the gravity of his decision and asked the faithful to pray for the future pope. those closest to benedict said they are sad he is going but respect his decision, according to senior vatican communications advisor greg burke. >> this is really a courageous move because somebody who was considered such a traditionalist making a decision which goes against six centuries of tradition. >> reporter: benedict will leave vatican city by helicopter at 5 pm local time on february 28th for castel gandolfo about 16 miles away. three hours later, he will officially go from being the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion roman catholics to the first living former pope in more than 600 years. but until then, duty calls. allen pizzey, cbs news, vatican city.