Pope Benedict's future home

This is the future home of Pope Benedict ....a former cloistered monastery behind St. Peter's Basilica.

For years it housed cloistered nuns leading a life of quiet contemplation and prayer.

The complex is currently under renovation. It contains a chapel, a canteen, several monastery rooms. Most importantly, it has a library, where the theologian can delve into his studies and maybe work on a new book.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) VATICAN SPOKESMAN, FATHER FEDERICO LOMBARDI, SAYING:

"He will not have any responsibility of guidance of the church, any administrative or government responsibility. This is absolutely clear, this is the sense of the resignation."

After sending shockwaves around the world when he announced his resignation -- it is still unclear when Benedict will take up residence in his future home.