Ask About the Papal Transition

L’Osservatore Romano Pope Benedict XVI attends a meeting with his cardinals during a farewell ceremony in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Thursday in Vatican City.

Pope Benedict XVI formally resigned at 8 p.m. Thursday night in Rome, leaving the Vatican by helicopter to begin his new life as pope emeritus. As our colleague , Benedict will stay at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo for the first months of his retirement, until workers complete the restoration of “more permanent lodgings in a convent inside the Vatican where he will live out his life.”

More than 100 cardinals will gather for a conclave next month to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Times wants to hear your questions concerning the transition to a new pope, the future of the Catholic Church and the plans for the first retired pope in modern times. Are you curious about what to call Benedict Want more details on how a conclave operates Are you wondering how the role of pope might change in its next incarnation Post a comment below with your question or send us a tweet using the hashtag #AskNYT. Next week we will publish 25 questions and answers to them from reporters or experts on the! papacy on The Lede.