This is probably a dumb question, but will he retain his regnal name after abdication? (Furthermore, why is the media calling it 'resignation'?)
The two are synonyms, however when someone abdicates it usually is in favor of a specific person. Since there is no heir to the Throne of Peter just yet there isn't someone Benedict is abdicating the office to.
I doubt he will retain the regnal name. What I wonder is, will he revert to being a Cardinal-Bishop and eligible to be named Dean of the College of Cardinals (as he was before becoming Pope) and thus the one to summon the conclave to replace him? [He wouldn't preside over the conclave as he is too old.]
