The Catholic Church moves forward without a Pope until a successor for Pope Emeritus Benedict can be named.

All is quiet at Vatican City, a day after the former pontiff bid an emotional farewell to the faithful.

The church is now in the transitional period known as "Sede Vacante" or "Vacant See".

The papal administrator or "il Camerlengo" is now running the day to day operations of the Vatican.

On Thursday, then Pope Benedict XVI said a final prayer and bid farewell to the crowds gathered at his residence and St. Peter's Square.

The 85-year-old officially ended his eight-year pontificate 8 p.m. Thursday night local time.

A total of 115 cardinals - including Cardinal Timothy Dolan - will meet on Monday to set a date to begin the Conclave where they will choose the church's next leader.