Pope Benedict XVI promises obedience to successor

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI promised his "unconditional reverence and obedience" to his successor in his final words to his cardinals Thursday, a poignant farewell before he becomes the first pope in 600 years to resign.

The pontiff appeared to be trying to defuse concerns about possible conflicts arising from the peculiar situation of having a reigning pope and a retired one.

Delivering an unexpected speech, Benedict also urged the "princes" of the church to set aside their differences as they elect the next pope, urging them to be unified so that the College of Cardinals works "like an orchestra" where "agreement and harmony" can be reached despite diversity.

He said he would pray for the cardinals in coming days as they choose his successor.

"Among you is also the future pope, whom I promise my unconditional reverence and obedience," Benedict said in his final audience.

Benedict's decision to live at the Vatican in retirement, be called "emeritus pope" and "Your Holiness" and to wear the white cassock associated with the papacy has deepened concerns about the shadow he will cast over the next papacy.

But Benedict has tried to address those worries, saying that once retired he would be "hidden from the world." In his final speech in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, he said he wasn't returning to private life, but rather to a new form of service to the church through prayer.