By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Calling this an unusual time for him and for the church — but not specifically mentioning his resignation — Pope Benedict XVI thanked people for their affection and asked them to continue their prayers. A roar of applause rose up …

By Catholic News Service  WASHINGTON (CNS) — Here are excerpts of statements from U.S. Catholic and other religious leaders released in reaction to Pope Benedict XVI’s Feb. 11 announcement that he is resigning, effective Feb. 28: — Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles: “Pope Benedict XVI has truly been …

By John Stegeman The Catholic Telegraph  Elder High School lost more men in the Vietnam War than any other high school in the state. While those men are gone, their memory remains, and Jan. 30, the school hosted a special Mass to honor the 11, and a “12th man” representing …

  By John Stegeman The Catholic Telegraph ROME, Italy — Like other major world events, many will remember exactly where they were when they heard that Pope Benedict XVI was going to resign. Most in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were likely checking the morning news online, or on television but …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At his first public appearance since he announced that he would resign at the end of February, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their love and prayers and asked them to pray for his successor. “I have felt, …

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign the papacy was a “surprise, like thunder that gives no notice that it’s coming,” said one of the cardinals who was in the room when the pope announced his decision Feb. 11. “We …

By Eileen Connelly, OSU The Catholic Telegraph When Lisa Caito woke to the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on Feb. 11, her reaction was similar to that of many Catholics — a mixture of surprise, sadness and gratitude for the pontiff’s years of faithful service to the church. A …

By Elieen Connelly, OSU The Catholic Telegraph Like many Catholics around the world, the Sisters of the Precious Blood were surprised by today’s announcement that Pope Benedict XVI will be retiring at the end of February. Still, the congregation understands the pope’s decision. “The pressures and energy required of an office …

By Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Curious who will choose the next pope? Here is a list of cardinal-electors, from oldest to youngest, eligible to vote for a pope in a conclave. Cardinal Walter Kasper turns 80 March 5; depending on the date of the conclave, he might …

Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation Monday before a consistory of Cardinals. His speech was read in Latin. The full text in English is provided below the video. The full text of the speech was posted on the Vatican’s website. Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only …