The Vatican authorities have deleted all of Benedict XVI's tweets sent from the @Pontifex account in less 12 hours since the Pope officially resigned.

The Pope's final tweet read, "Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives."

According to News.com.au, any re-tweets by followers will disappear from their timelines.

The account is still active and will return to its normal feed once a new Pope is installed, which the Vatican hopes will be before Palm Sunday, on March 24, the report said.

Vatican Radio had previously announced their plans to close the account.

An archive of Benedict XVI's tweets are, however, available at the Vatican website, the report said.