Personal finance junkies like, uh, me have spent the better part of the past decade begging and pleading with would-be newlyweds to consider more low-key events, with little to show in the way of results, possibly because no one wants to be seen as a cheapskate on their big day.

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The papacy ended on a very low key after Benedict promised during a final meeting with the cardinals - who will shortly elect his successor - to show "reverence and obedience" to the new head of the Church, from whichever continent or nation he may come.

BBC: The day Benedict XVI's papacy ended