Benedict XVI dead at 95: The ‘humble worker’ and his legacy of hope to the Catholic Church

By Luke Coppen, AC Wimmer, Matthew Bunson CNA Newsroom, Dec 31, 2022 / 02:59 am Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, bringing to a close the momentous life of a Churchman who proclaimed the “eternal joy” of Jesus Christ and called himself a “humble worker” in the vineyard …
A timeline of Pope Benedict XVI’s extraordinary life

By Courtney Mares Rome Newsroom, Dec 31, 2022 / 03:15 am Here is a look back at the key dates and events in the life of Pope Benedict XVI: 1927 — Joseph Ratzinger is born on Holy Saturday, April 16, in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn, Germany, and is baptized …
PHOTOS: Key moments from Benedict XVI’s papacy

Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany in 2005. | Vatican Media By Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Dec 31, 2022 / 03:45 am Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy as told through photos. Election Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was elected the 265th pope of the Catholic Church on April 19, …
Father Ruiz gives his perspective on Pope Benedict XVI’s final General Audience [Video]

Father Ryan Ruiz, a priest from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati studying in Rome, attended Pope Benedict XVI’s final General Audience on Wednesday. With the unique perspective of having been present for the historic event, Father Ruiz took the time to share his experiences with the folks back home in Cincinnati …
December 31 – Saint Sylvester, Pope

Saint Sylvester was born in Rome around the year 250. Not much is known about him, but legends surround him. Some legends state that at a young age, Sylvester was put under the care of a priest to be formed in the practice of religion and sacred literature. He enjoyed …
December 29 – Saint Thomas Becket

St. Thomas was born in London, England around the year 1117. He was the son of pious parents, and his mother converted to Christianity through the example and teachings of his father. From his early youth, Thomas was educated in religion and holiness. After his childhood, Thomas was then taught …
The most frequently asked questions about Pope Benedict XVI

By CNA Staff CNA Newsroom, Dec 28, 2022 / 11:00 am On Dec. 28 the press office of the Holy See announced that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition had taken a turn for the worse and that he was receiving medical care at his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. …
Meet the Holy Innocents: The ‘infant martyrs’ who died for Baby Jesus

By Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 28, 2022 / 09:35 am The Holy Innocents did not know Jesus, but they died in his place. Dec. 28 marks the feast of these baby boys who are, today, recognized as the first martyrs and pro-life patron saints. Their story appears in the Gospel of …
Pope Francis: Pray for a ‘very ill’ Benedict XVI

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 28, 2022 / 02:16 am Pope Francis on Wednesday asked for prayers for a “very ill” Benedict XVI. Francis made the appeal for the 95-year-old pope emeritus at the end of his weekly public audience on Dec. 28 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. “I …
Vatican: Benedict XVI under medical care as health takes sudden turn

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 28, 2022 / 03:48 am The Vatican confirmed Wednesday that pope emeritus Benedict XVI has experienced a sudden decline in his health, but is stable and under medical care. “I can confirm that in the last few hours there has been a worsening due to …