(MCT) — VATICAN CITY — On his last morning in office Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI pledged to respect and obey his successor and told the church’s cardinals that he would pray for them to be guided by the Holy Spirit in their selection of his successor.

“Among you is … the future pope, to whom I promise my unconditional reverence and obedience,” the pontiff said, apparently trying to allay fears that having both a reigning and retired pope living inside the Vatican might spark confusion or division within the church.